At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, manage bookings, and ensure a smooth dining experience.
- Company: Join The Blues Kitchen, a vibrant venue known for live music and delicious food.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and 50% off at our venues.
- Why this job: Be the face of an iconic venue and create memorable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: 1 year in a customer-facing role; strong communication and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth through The Columbo Academy and exciting global trips for top performers.
We are looking for a Host to join our talented team at The Blues Kitchen. As our Host, you will be the face of the venue — welcoming guests with warmth and personality, managing our booking systems, and helping to maximise the flow and experience of service. You will take reservations over the phone, support the day-to-day running of the restaurant, and ensure every guest leaves feeling looked after. You will be the first to greet them and the last to say goodbye — creating memorable moments that turn first-time visitors into loyal regulars.
We are looking for someone who is naturally engaging, highly organised, and thrives in a buzzing, fast-paced environment. Experience in hosting or a similar customer-facing role is a plus, but most importantly, we are after someone who brings positive energy and a passion for hospitality.
What You’ll Do- Lead the Welcome – Greet every guest with warmth and confidence, setting the tone for an amazing experience.
- Master the Flow – Manage booking systems, organise table plans, and keep communication tight with the team to ensure a smooth, efficient service.
- Own the Front Desk – Handle phone bookings, guest enquiries and last-minute requests with ease and professionalism.
- Support the Floor – Be a visible, positive presence throughout the venue, helping the team deliver top-notch hospitality from start to finish.
- At least 1 year of experience in a host or customer-facing role within a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant or bar.
- A natural people person with strong communication skills and a calm, organised approach.
- Someone who thrives in a team environment and is always ready to roll up their sleeves.
- A genuine love for hospitality and a desire to grow — our Columbo Academy is here to support your journey into leadership if that’s where you’re headed.
- Competitive Pay: £12.25 [hourly rate to be stated in contract] per hour plus tronc (total package usually in the range of £13 - £16 per hour). Hourly wages paid every two weeks on a Friday and tronc paid on the last Friday of the month.
- Dynamic Shifts: Work a variety of daytime and evening shifts at our lively bar, restaurant, and music venue.
- Casual Dress Code: No uniforms required—just bring your best self.
- Food & Social Perks: Enjoy 50% off across our venues, plus access to our annual celebrations, events, and festivals.
- Career Growth: At The Columbo Academy, your ambition is our inspiration. We’re here to guide you on a clear path to personal and professional success.
- Hero of the Month: Stand out and be rewarded with a paid weekend off.
- Incentives: Top sellers in drinks revenue receive a £50 voucher.
- Employee Referrals: Earn £1,000 for Chef/Manager referrals or £250 for hourly roles when you bring in talent.
- Global Industry Trips: For our top performers and wine experts, your next adventure awaits.
- Pension via Nest: Secure your future with our pension plan.
The award-winning Blues Kitchen is one of London’s most beloved and iconic venues—a stunning space to enjoy live blues and soul from world-famous musicians, savour all-American favourites, and experience one of the UK’s most vibrant nightlife atmospheres. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and ready to be part of a legendary team, we’d love to hear from you.
Host employer: The Columbo Group
Contact Detail:
The Columbo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Host
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Blues Kitchen's atmosphere and offerings. Visit the venue if you can, or explore their website and social media to understand their vibe and customer base. This knowledge will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging with friends or family in a hospitality context. Role-playing different scenarios, such as greeting guests or handling reservations, can boost your confidence and prepare you for the fast-paced environment at The Blues Kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for hospitality by sharing personal experiences during any informal conversations or interviews. Talk about memorable moments you've created for guests in previous roles, highlighting your ability to make people feel welcome and valued.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of The Blues Kitchen. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can also help you get a referral, which can significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what The Blues Kitchen is looking for in a Host. Pay attention to the key responsibilities and required skills, such as strong communication and organisational abilities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer-facing roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage bookings and provide excellent hospitality.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your personality and passion for hospitality. Mention why you want to work at The Blues Kitchen and how your skills align with their values. Be warm and engaging, just like the role requires.
Showcase Your Enthusiasm: In your application, express your genuine love for hospitality and your eagerness to contribute to the team. Highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your positive energy and ability to create memorable guest experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Columbo Group
✨Show Your Warmth
As a Host, your ability to greet guests with genuine warmth is crucial. Practice a friendly and confident introduction, as this sets the tone for their entire experience. Remember, first impressions matter!
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage bookings and table plans. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled busy periods or last-minute changes, showcasing your ability to stay calm under pressure.
✨Engage in Role-Play
Consider doing a mock interview or role-play scenario where you handle a guest's enquiry or booking over the phone. This will help you demonstrate your communication skills and ability to think on your feet during the actual interview.
✨Express Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to convey your love for the hospitality industry. Share personal anecdotes about what excites you about working in a fast-paced environment and how you aim to create memorable experiences for guests.