At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, manage bookings, and support the restaurant team in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its cosy pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, discounts, training, and instant pay access.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities as we expand to over 60 locations by 2027.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of guest experiences and grow with a rapidly expanding company.
- Qualifications: Previous reception or front-of-house experience and great interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our team as a Rooms Reception Host. This is not your typical sit-down reception role. No two days are the same. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on position where you’ll be at the heart of the guest experience, whether welcoming guests to their rooms, supporting the restaurant team, or ensuring every detail is perfect before arrival.
We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
The Ideal Candidate:
- Has previous reception, hotel, or front-of-house experience, face-to-face interaction with great interpersonal skills and provide an exceptional guest experience
- Be able to handle and manage the day-to-day operations of the reception, check-ins and check-outs, maintain and manage bookings, enquiries across rooms and the restaurant
- Ability to be flexible and maintain high standards across the front-of-house service, and assist in the restaurant when needed
- Coordinate with other departments, including cleaning, housekeeping, kitchen staff, etc. for care of the premises and guests.
- Previous administrative experience in booking and PMS (Guestline/Rezlynx, Zonal, Google Workspace, OTA Extranets) systems is advantageous
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group: Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024, Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024 Best Pub Brand/ Concept at the Publican Awards 2025. At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.
Host/Hostess in Lewes employer: The White Hart, Lewes
At Heartwood Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where no two days are the same. With bespoke training through our Stepping Stones programme, generous employee benefits including instant pay access and discounts at our venues, and a commitment to career progression as we expand, joining our team means becoming part of a warm community dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Host/Hostess in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Heartwood Collection's values and culture. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on showcasing your interpersonal skills and how you can enhance the guest experience, as that's what this role is all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! First impressions matter, so make sure you look smart and professional. A polished appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent Heartwood Collection.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Host/Hostess in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for hospitality and how you connect with guests.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in reception or front-of-house roles. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this fast-paced environment, so be specific about your skills!
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 to showcase your skills and experiences effectively.
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 to join our Heartwood family!
How to prepare for a job interview at The White Hart, Lewes
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Heartwood Collection. Familiarise yourself with their values, the different venues they operate, and their approach to guest experience. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Rooms Reception Host, you'll be interacting with guests constantly. During the interview, demonstrate your excellent communication skills and ability to connect with people. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a great guest experience.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face on the job. Prepare for scenarios like handling a difficult guest or managing multiple tasks at once. Think about how you would prioritise tasks and maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Team Spirit
This role requires a hands-on approach and the ability to adapt quickly. Be prepared to discuss times when you've worked collaboratively with other departments or adapted to changing circumstances. Emphasising your flexibility and teamwork will resonate well with the interviewers.
