At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a section in our luxury restaurant, delivering exceptional service and mentoring junior staff.
- Company: The Pembroke, a unique private members' club in the heart of Belgravia.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, family meals, industry-leading training, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and create memorable experiences for our exclusive 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. 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
Compensation: Competitive salary
Head Waiter in City of Westminster employer: The Pembroke Club - The Dining Room
Contact Detail:
The Pembroke Club - The Dining Room Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter in City of Westminster
✨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 skills! If you can, arrange a trial shift at The Pembroke or similar venues. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your service excellence and leadership abilities in real-time, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Get personal! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your unique experiences and how they align with the club's ethos. Tailor your approach to show that you understand the luxury hospitality vibe we’re all about.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After applying or meeting someone, drop them a quick message to express your enthusiasm. A little reminder of your interest can go a long way in keeping you top of mind for that Head Waiter position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter in City of Westminster
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 show us what you can bring to The Pembroke!
Be Personal and Professional: Remember, this is a private members' club, so your application should reflect a polished and professional tone. But don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We love candidates who can connect with our members and create memorable experiences.
Know the Menu: Familiarise yourself with Mediterranean cuisine and be ready to discuss your knowledge of food and wine in your application. This shows us that you're not just applying for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in what we do at The Dining Room.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about The Pembroke and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pembroke Club - The Dining Room
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and any specials. Being able to discuss the dishes confidently will show that you’re serious about the role and understand the level of service expected at a luxury establishment like The Pembroke.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully led a team or mentored junior staff. This is crucial for the Head Waiter position, so be ready to share how you’ve handled challenges and supported your colleagues in delivering exceptional service.
✨Showcase Your Guest-Focused Approach
Think of specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. Whether it’s handling special requests or resolving issues, being able to articulate these experiences will highlight your commitment to providing a personalised service.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter, especially in luxury hospitality. Make sure you arrive looking polished and professional. This not only reflects your understanding of the club's standards but also sets the tone for how you’ll present yourself on the floor.