At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a section in our luxury restaurant, delivering exceptional service and mentoring junior staff.
- Company: The Pembroke, a unique club in the heart of Belgravia, offering eclectic experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family meals, top-notch training, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and elevate your hospitality career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury dining, strong leadership skills, and a passion for service excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Steeped in history and situated in the heart of Belgravia, The Pembroke stands apart as a unique club for Londoners. From the spirit of our members to the splendour of our events, we are a home for eclectic and excellent living. A place to eat, drink, dance and meet, The Pembroke opens its doors to those who wish to fill their world with the finest experiences, from cocktails to culture, billiards to business. With striking views across Buckingham Palace Gardens and Hyde Park, The Dining Room is the club’s flagship restaurant, stretching three exquisitely finished rooms and serving a selection of the finest Mediterranean fare from breakfast to dinner.
ROLE OVERVIEW
To further elevate and enhance our operations, we are seeking an accomplished Head Waiter to contribute and deliver on the club’s success, providing exceptional experiences for our members. The ideal candidate is polished, service-driven, and experienced within the luxury hospitality and private members clubs. This is a floor-based junior leadership role, responsible for leading a section of the restaurant/bar while supporting the wider management team in delivering a seamless, refined, and highly personalised member experience. Acting as a key link between management and the service team, the Head Waiter will combine hands-on service excellence with leadership, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the highest standards are upheld throughout every service.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Take ownership of a section, ensuring exceptional, attentive, and well-paced service at all times
- Lead by example on the floor, demonstrating impeccable service standards and professionalism
- Support the Floor Manager/Maître d’/Late-Night Manager in coordinating service and maintaining smooth operations
- Supervise and guide waiters and commis waiters, providing direction and on-the-job training
- Ensure all team members are well-briefed on menus, specials, and member preferences
- Build strong relationships with members, offering a personalised and discreet service experience
- Handle more complex tables, VIP guests, and special requests with confidence
- Monitor service flow within the section, anticipating challenges and resolving issues proactively
- Liaise closely with the kitchen and bar to ensure accuracy and timing of orders
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness, and mise en place across the section
- Assist with opening and closing duties, ensuring readiness for service
- Support in handling guest feedback and resolving minor issues before escalation
- Uphold all health, safety, and hygiene standards
REQUIREMENTS
- Proven experience as a Head Waiter or Senior Waiter in a luxury restaurant, hotel, or private members’ club
- Strong leadership skills with experience supervising and mentoring junior team members
- Excellent knowledge of food, wine, and beverage service
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high service standards
- Confident, professional, and guest-focused approach
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Ability to manage a busy section and multitask effectively under pressure
- Impeccable grooming and presentation
- Positive, proactive, and team-oriented attitude
- High level of discretion and understanding of private members’ club service
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and late shifts
WHAT WE OFFER
- Best-in-class salary
- Family meal on shift
- Industry-leading Learning & Development opportunities
- Pension scheme – including employer contributions
- Annual staff award ceremony and party
- More benefits to be set up as we open
Head Waiter employer: The Dining Room
Contact Detail:
The Dining Room Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by The Pembroke and soak in the atmosphere. Familiarise yourself with the dining experience and the vibe of the club. This will not only help you feel more confident but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Head Waiter position. Personal connections can give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've mentored junior staff or handled complex service situations. Highlighting your ability to lead and maintain high standards will resonate well with the management team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Pembroke family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in luxury hospitality. We want to see how you've led teams and provided exceptional service in similar environments. Use specific examples to really make your application stand out!
Be Personal and Professional: Remember, this role is all about providing a personalised experience for our members. In your application, let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism. Show us that you can build strong relationships with guests and create memorable experiences.
Attention to Detail is Key: We love candidates who pay attention to the little things! Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This reflects your commitment to high standards, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a Head Waiter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Pembroke!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dining Room
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and any specials that The Pembroke offers. Being able to discuss the Mediterranean fare confidently will show your passion for the role and your commitment to providing exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Waiter, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully mentored junior staff or handled complex tables. This will highlight your leadership abilities and your understanding of the importance of teamwork in a luxury setting.
✨Showcase Your Guest-Focused Approach
Think of specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. Whether it’s remembering a regular’s favourite drink or handling a special request, sharing these stories will illustrate your commitment to personalised service, which is key at The Pembroke.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, such as managing a busy section or resolving guest complaints. Practising your responses to these scenarios will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high service standards under pressure.