At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional hospitality and guide guests through our vibrant menu.
- Company: Join the Smoking Lobster Group, the Isle of Wight's best Pan-Asian restaurant.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, dynamic team where hospitality is a passion, not just a job.
- Qualifications: Previous experience is great, but confidence and a positive attitude are key!
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Work at the Island’s best restaurant group! Smoking Lobster is a family‑run, Pan‑Asian fusion restaurant group, with a focus on small‑plates, exciting cocktails, a vibrant dining experience and celebrating local produce from the Isle of Wight.
About Us
Smoking Lobster is focussed on delivering an elevated style of service and hospitality in a professional, laid‑back environment. Heavily influenced by a mix of Eastern Asian cuisine, Smoking Lobster is a contemporary choice for diners who wish to fully immerse themselves in an experience which focusses on contemporary food, exciting beverages and a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere.
The Role
We are seeking confident, professional servers to join our front of house team. Experience is greatly desired but not essential, however, we expect candidates to strive for learning about our culture, standards & products. This is not standard restaurant service - we deliver an elevated style of service with serious attention to detail. We have a relaxed atmosphere, where the team can demonstrate their personality through our hospitality. You would have the creative freedom to elevate your hospitality above and beyond our benchmark. We have a fun, mature & dynamic team of professionals where hospitality is more than just a job, it is their passion.
Does this sound like you? Confidence in guiding our guests through the concept & products that we offer with passion & understanding is essential, as we put a big focus on the attention to detail we put into each plate & drink.
What We Are Looking For
- Fun, professional & laid‑back personalities
- Scrupulous attention to detail in all aspects of products & service
- Previous hospitality experience is desirable
- Confident, natural communicators
- Confidence in delivering a technical specification of products
- Sense of pace & organisation during peak times & busy services
- Positive energy & strong team ethic
- Flexibility & availability predominantly for weekends & evenings
- Flexibility in working between two Island venues
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering a professional, elevated but relaxed style of service & exceptional hospitality
- Guiding guests through our menu, produce, preparation & concept
- Hosting families, corporate clients, UHNW individuals, groups, parties & events
- Maintaining the highest standards of presentation & cleanliness
- Being accountable for your own section of the restaurant floor
- Supporting the wider team during busy & peak periods
- Representing the restaurant group as an ambassador for our brand culture
- Be flexible in your role & responsibilities
- Reporting to those managing you, support those beside you and guide those under you
What We are Offering
- Flexible, zero‑hour contract
- Competitive rate of pay + tronc, with a structured, tiered tronc system for those going above and beyond
- Staff discount of 20% when you dine with us
- On‑shift discount of 50% on food
- Extended breaks & split‑shifts
- Ability to set availability requests in our dedicated staff rota platform
- A strong, supporting team environment with a focus on growth & nurturing
- Measurable growth potential in your role
- Opportunity to undertake formal training & qualifications, such as WSET Level 1 & 2, Food Safety & Hygiene, First Aid
Hours
We are offering a flexible, zero hour contract with the expectation to work split shifts of 6 hours.
Tronc
We operate a transparent tronc system, meaning all tips are distributed fairly across the team based on hours worked and role. The tronc is managed independently and paid in addition to your hourly rate on a monthly basis, rewarding the whole team for delivering a consistently high standard of food and service. It ensures everyone contributes to, and benefits from, a busy and successful service. Your hourly rate of pay comprises your National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage plus tronc. All service charge is distributed via the tronc system in accordance with the Company’s tronc policy.
To Apply
Please read the full role description detailed above, and attach your CV, with a short cover note on why you are a good fit to join Smoking Lobster Group.
Experienced Waiters | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor) employer: Smoking Lobster
Join Smoking Lobster Group, the Isle of Wight's premier family-run Pan-Asian fusion restaurant, where we pride ourselves on delivering an elevated style of service in a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Our team enjoys a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth, with opportunities for formal training and a transparent tronc system that rewards hard work and dedication. With flexible hours and a focus on creativity, you'll be part of a passionate team that views hospitality as more than just a job, but as a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Waiters | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Smoking Lobster vibe! Before your interview, check out their menu and understand their Pan-Asian fusion concept. This will help you chat confidently about their offerings and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since they’re looking for confident, natural communicators, try role-playing with a friend. Explain a dish or cocktail as if you were serving it to a guest. This will help you feel more at ease when it comes to guiding customers through the menu.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! Smoking Lobster values a laid-back atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to let your character shine during the interview. Share your passion for hospitality and how you can contribute to their fun, dynamic team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the company culture right there. Let’s get you on board with Smoking Lobster!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Waiters | Smoking Lobster Group (Cowes & Ventnor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We love a laid-back vibe, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’re passionate about hospitality.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it’s not in hospitality. We’re looking for confident communicators with attention to detail, so emphasise those skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to tell us why you’d be a great fit for Smoking Lobster. Keep it short and sweet, but make sure to mention your enthusiasm for our vibrant dining experience and local produce.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smoking Lobster
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Smoking Lobster's menu and concept. Understanding the dishes, ingredients, and preparation methods will show your passion for the role and help you communicate confidently about the offerings during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Personality
Smoking Lobster values a laid-back yet professional atmosphere, so let your personality shine through! Be genuine and enthusiastic when discussing your experiences and how you can contribute to the team. Remember, they’re looking for fun, dynamic individuals who are passionate about hospitality.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the restaurant focuses on an elevated style of service, be prepared to discuss how you ensure attention to detail in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in presentation and service, as this aligns perfectly with what Smoking Lobster is seeking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle busy services and maintain organisation under pressure. Think of past experiences where you successfully managed peak times and how you supported your team. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
