At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests with warmth, manage reservations, and ensure a smooth dining experience.
- Company: Join a vibrant restaurant known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, team discounts, and opportunities for growth in the hospitality industry.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on teamwork and guest satisfaction.
- Why this job: Be the heartbeat of the restaurant and create memorable experiences for every guest.
- Qualifications: Friendly personality, strong communication skills, and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
The Role
As a Host, you are the heartbeat of the restaurant entrance and the central point of communication for our guests. You'll welcome every guest with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring they feel valued from the moment they arrive. This role is about far more than greeting guests. You'll oversee the flow of the restaurant, manage reservations, communicate with guests before and after their visit, and allocate tables thoughtfully to ensure the smoothest possible service.
A great Host understands that every seating decision has a ripple effect, balancing guest expectations, waiter workloads and kitchen capacity to create a seamless dining experience for everyone.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience
- Deliver a genuinely warm, friendly and professional welcome to every guest.
- Escort guests to their tables and introduce them to their server.
- Communicate all relevant information to the assigned section waiter as the guests are seated, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience.
- Recognise returning guests wherever possible and help create memorable experiences through thoughtful, personalised hospitality.
- Manage guest expectations during busy periods with confidence and empathy.
- Handle guest enquiries and concerns professionally, escalating to management where appropriate.
- Create memorable first and last impressions for every guest.
- Reservations & Communication
- Manage the reservation system accurately and efficiently.
- Answer telephone calls professionally, assisting with reservations and guest enquiries.
- Respond to reservation emails and guest correspondence promptly and professionally.
- Send reservation confirmation and reminder emails.
- Contact guests on the waitlist when tables become available.
- Maintain accurate reservation notes, including celebrations, allergies, accessibility requirements and guest preferences.
- Maximise covers where appropriate by managing cancellations, no-shows and late availability.
- Floor Management
- Allocate tables strategically, considering section balance, waiter workload and kitchen flow.
- Think beyond simply filling the next available table, always considering the overall rhythm of service.
- Work closely with managers and the kitchen to control the pace of seating throughout service.
- Ensure no section becomes overwhelmed while maintaining an excellent guest experience.
- Adapt the floor plan throughout the service as bookings and walk-ins change.
- Communicate clearly with the floor team regarding arrivals, special requests and table availability.
- Team Support
- Work collaboratively with both Front and Back of House teams.
- Assist with maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming reception area.
- Support the wider restaurant team wherever required to deliver outstanding hospitality.
What We're Looking For
- A naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
- Excellent communication skills, both face-to-face and over the phone.
- Exceptional organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and prioritise effectively.
- Commercial awareness and the confidence to make decisions independently.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and guest experience.
- Previous experience in a busy hospitality environment is desirable, but attitude and personality are equally important.
Our Expectations
The Host is one of the most influential roles in the restaurant. You're responsible for setting the tone of every guest's experience while orchestrating the flow of service behind the scenes. You'll understand when to slow the pace of seating to allow the kitchen to recover, when to balance sections so every table receives exceptional service, and when to utilise the waitlist to maximise the restaurant's potential. You'll communicate confidently with guests, manage reservations proactively, and ensure every interaction reflects the warmth and professionalism that Sonder is known for. We don't just want someone to greet guests—we're looking for someone who sees the bigger picture, takes ownership of the guest journey, and plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional hospitality that defines Sonder.
Host in Cardiff employer: Sonder Bar & Bistro
At Sonder, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and empowered to grow. As a Host, you'll not only play a crucial role in shaping memorable guest experiences but also benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities that foster your career in hospitality. Located in a bustling area, our restaurant offers a dynamic atmosphere and the chance to work alongside passionate professionals who share your love for exceptional service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host in Cardiff
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Sonder Bar & Bistro. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sonder Bar & Bistro
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sonder Bar & Bistro directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Host in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Sonder Bar & Bistro and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonder Bar & Bistro
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
