At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a section in a luxury restaurant, providing exceptional service and mentoring junior staff.
- Company: The Pembroke, a unique club in the heart of Belgravia, London.
- Benefits: Best-in-class salary, family meals, learning opportunities, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with exciting events and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious team and elevate your hospitality career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury dining and strong leadership skills required.
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 - London employer: The Pembroke Club
The Pembroke, located in the vibrant heart of Belgravia, is an exceptional employer that offers a unique blend of luxury hospitality and a supportive work culture. With a commitment to employee growth through industry-leading learning and development opportunities, staff can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying competitive salaries and benefits. The club's focus on personalised service and member relationships creates a rewarding atmosphere for those passionate about delivering excellence in the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Waiter - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and mingle with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join clubs, or even pop into places you admire. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Head Waiter position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for service shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've gone above and beyond for guests. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, rehearse common questions and scenarios you might face as a Head Waiter. Think about how you'd handle VIP guests or tricky situations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at The Pembroke.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Waiter - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your experience. Share a bit about your passion for hospitality and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Waiter role. Highlight your relevant experience in luxury settings and any leadership roles you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our club's values!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for The Pembroke. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head Waiter position. We appreciate a good story!
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Pembroke!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pembroke Club
✨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 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 challenging situations. This will highlight your leadership capabilities and your ability to maintain high service standards.
✨Showcase Your Guest-Focused Approach
Think of specific instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. Sharing these stories will illustrate your dedication to providing a personalised experience, which is crucial in a luxury setting like The Pembroke.
✨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter! Make sure you arrive looking polished and professional. This not only reflects your understanding of the role but also sets the tone for the high standards expected at The Pembroke.