At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the front-door operation and create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join a historic family-run hotel with a modern vision for hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, training opportunities, and generous discounts.
- Why this job: Be the face of a new rooftop bar and shape memorable dining moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hosting and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time
Location: The Imperial, Bloomsbury, London
About Us: ‘Project A’ is the new destination rooftop bar at The Imperial, Bloomsbury opening Summer 2026. Part of the Imperial London Hotels family, we are a seventh‑generation, family‑run business with a 187‑year legacy and a renewed vision for modern, authentic London hospitality.
About the Role: As Head Host for ‘Project A’, you will shape the very first and very last impression of our signature dining experience. This is a role built on presence, emotional intelligence and precision. You’ll lead the entire front‑door operation — from managing reservations and pacing to setting the tone for service through a warm, confident welcome that feels modern, personal and effortlessly polished. Whether it’s a sunny day drawing guests to the terrace or a fully booked evening with a wait‑list out the door, you will keep the atmosphere calm, controlled and elevated.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Deliver a warm, confident and modern welcome
- Manage flow, pacing and seating strategy
- Lead reservations, waitlists and guest profiles
- Coordinate terrace and weather‑dependent seating
- Partner with Restaurant & Bar teams
- Coach and develop a confident, guest‑focused team with a strong sense of service identity
- Drive commercial performance at the door
- Ensure accessibility, safety and compliance
- Monitor guest feedback across online platforms and react with timely, thoughtful solutions that reinforce our service standards
Who You Are:
- Experienced in premium host/reservations leadership
- Skilled in pacing, seating and guest recovery
- Commercially aware with strong communication
- Accurate, organised and confident using reservations systems
What’s In It for You:
- 28 days holiday, rising to 33 with length of service (including bank holidays)
- Access to ILH Training Academy programmes, apprenticeships and supported study
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Complimentary uniform dry‑cleaning, plus discounted personal dry‑cleaning
- Interest‑free Season Ticket Loan
- Workplace Pension
- Team member flat rate and 50% friends and family hotel discount
- 50% discount across ILH F&B outlets
- Discounted drinks at Blooms Café
- Employee‑funded Health Cash Plan
- Local Bloomsbury discounts
- Early Pay access
- Shopping discounts with selected retailers
- Salary sacrifice schemes including nursery care, cycle to work, and technology
- Access to mental health first‑aiders, wellbeing support and the Employee Assistance Programme
Ready to Help Shape the Future of Imperial? If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional experiences and want to play a defining role in our newly transformed flagship hotel, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Host employer: The Imperial London Hotels Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Imperial London Hotels Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Host
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit The Imperial and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance the guest experience as Head Host.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your warm welcome! Since this role is all about first impressions, rehearse how you’d greet guests. A confident and friendly approach will show you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed reservations and seating strategies in the past. We want to see that you can keep things calm and controlled, even on busy nights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork! Talk about how you’ve collaborated with restaurant and bar teams before. We love a candidate who knows how to partner up and create a seamless guest experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for hospitality and what makes you a great fit for the Head Host role.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in premium host or reservations leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills in pacing, seating, and guest recovery – so get into the details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps convey your message better – we love a good list!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ‘Project A’. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Imperial London Hotels Ltd
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with The Imperial and its offerings. Visit the website, check out their social media, and even pop by if you can. This will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance the guest experience at ‘Project A’.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
As a Head Host, emotional intelligence is key. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult situations or turned a negative guest experience into a positive one. This will demonstrate your ability to manage the atmosphere and keep things calm under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with reservations systems and how you manage flow and pacing. Bring specific examples of how you’ve successfully coordinated seating strategies in busy environments, as this will show you understand the role's demands.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Ask thoughtful questions about the team culture and how they envision the Head Host role contributing to the overall guest experience. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.