At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and create unforgettable dining experiences at The Garden Cafe.
- Company: Join The Newt, a luxury country estate known for its stunning gardens and refined hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, gym access, spa discounts, and complimentary meals each shift.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal and professional development with exciting team activities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values sustainability and local produce while having fun.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a passion for hospitality.
Waiter/ss - The Garden Cafe
Up to £12.48 per hour plus tronc and fantastic benefits
Daytime Hours. 30 hours across 4 days, including regular weekends.
Due to the location of the Estate, a driving license is recommended for this role
Advert closes: 17th October 2025
Our Waiter/ss - The Garden Cafe
You’ll be the welcoming face of our busy, produce-led restaurant—delivering attentive, professional service that turns great food into unforgettable experiences. From confidently serving wine, coffee and cocktails (training provided) to sharing stories about provenance, you’ll keep your section humming (6–8 tables), support events, and jump between floor and bar as needed—all while upholding the high standards of The Newt.
Key Responsibilities
- Create unforgettable guest experiences with warm, genuine service
- Showcase Somerset’s finest flavours through our seasonal menu
- Master the art of serving food, wine, and coffee (training provided!)
- Keep your section buzzing and beautifully presented
- Bring energy, teamwork, and passion to every shift
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
- Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go-Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team
What we’re looking for
- Positive, can-do attitude with a warm, professional demeanour
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Calm under pressure; reliable team player with great attention to detail
- Passion for hospitality, sustainability and seasonal, local produce
- Adaptable—confident working independently or collaboratively
- Previous experience in a similar role (events or bar experience a plus)
- Bonus skills: Barista, WSET Level 1, experience with Micros tills
- Eagerness to learn and develop—training provided where required
Where you’ll be working
The Garden Café is a vibrant, produce-led restaurant at the heart of The Newt estate. With a menu that celebrates seasonal vegetables, estate-grown ingredients, and the work of our growers and makers, it offers guests a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Serving 150–200 covers daily—and more when events are running—it’s a fast-paced, dynamic space where simplicity, freshness, and provenance shine on every plate. Our team takes pride in combining genuine hospitality with attentiveness, ensuring that every guest feels both cared for and inspired by the connection to the land. Collaboration, adaptability, and a shared passion for food and sustainability are central to the way we work, creating an atmosphere that is as supportive for staff as it is memorable for guests.
Who are we – The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt\'s essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
Waiter/Waitress in Bruton employer: The Garden Cafe
At The Newt in Somerset, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values genuine hospitality and teamwork. Our Waiter/Waitress role at The Garden Cafe not only provides competitive pay and fantastic benefits, including complimentary gym access and exclusive discounts, but also fosters personal and professional growth through training and recognition programmes. Join us in a dynamic environment where your passion for food and sustainability can thrive, all while enjoying the beauty of our stunning estate.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiter/Waitress in Bruton
✨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 The Garden Cafe. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Garden Cafe
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Garden Cafe 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 Waiter/Waitress in Bruton
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 The Garden Cafe 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 The Garden Cafe
✨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!
