At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a section in a luxury club, delivering exceptional service and mentoring junior staff.
- Company: The Pembroke, an exclusive members' club in the heart of Belgravia.
- Benefits: Best-in-class salary, family meals, and industry-leading development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Join a sophisticated environment and create memorable experiences for distinguished members.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury hospitality with strong leadership and communication skills.
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. A brand-new and exclusive members' club represents a pinnacle of sophistication and elegance. We are dedicated to offering unparalleled services and creating memorable experiences for our distinguished members.
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 in London employer: The Library & Study
Contact Detail:
The Library & Study Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and mingle with folks in the hospitality scene. Attend events, join clubs, or even pop into places you admire. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head Waiter role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for service shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've gone above and beyond for guests. We want to see that spark!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the club! Know The Pembroke inside out before your interview. Familiarise yourself with their values, menu, and member experience. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter in London
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 previous roles. Use specific examples to show us what you can bring to The Pembroke!
Be Personal and Professional: Remember, we're all about creating memorable experiences for our members. In your application, let your personality shine through while maintaining a professional tone. Show us that you understand the importance of personalised service in a private members' club.
Attention to Detail is Key: We love candidates who pay attention to detail! Make sure your application is well-structured and free from typos. This reflects your commitment to high service 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 out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of The Pembroke family!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Library & Study
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research The Pembroke. Understand its history, values, and what makes it unique. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Service Skills
As a Head Waiter, exceptional service is key. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated outstanding service, handled VIP guests, or resolved issues proactively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves mentoring junior staff, highlight your leadership experience. Share instances where you successfully guided a team, trained new members, or improved service standards. This will illustrate your capability to lead by example on the floor.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of potential challenges you might face in a busy section and how you would address them. This will showcase your proactive approach and readiness for the role.