At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, take orders, serve food, and create memorable experiences.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Ottolenghi, known for its delicious food and warm hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, staff meals, health support, and exclusive workshops.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your ideas matter and growth is celebrated.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, passion for food, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 10.8 - 13.2 £ per hour.
At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Bicester Village brings our signature flavours and warm hospitality to one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations. It's a unique and exciting location that welcomes guests from across the country and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Welcome and seat guests, ensuring they feel looked after from the moment they arrive.
- Take food and drink orders accurately and with genuine knowledge of the menu.
- Serve food and beverages with care, attention to detail, and great timing.
- Build rapport with guests and respond to their needs proactively.
- Maintain the dining room to a high standard throughout service.
- Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
- Handle guest queries and feedback with professionalism and warmth.
- Support the wider front-of-house team and pitch in wherever needed.
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a waiter or in front-of-house hospitality.
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and creating great guest experiences.
- A warm, confident communicator who thrives in a team environment.
- Excellent knowledge of food and drink service.
- Attentive, calm, and professional under pressure.
- A genuine love of hospitality and making guests feel welcome.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
- Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
- Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
- A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience and continuous improvement.
Waiter in Banbury employer: Value Retail PLC
The Swatch Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and innovation in the heart of Bicester Village. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programmes, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to be part of a globally recognised brand that values both emotional connection and high-quality craftsmanship. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive team environment, working at Swatch Group not only enhances your career but also allows you to engage with a diverse international clientele.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waiter in Banbury
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Value Retail PLC. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Value Retail PLC
Don't be shy about reaching out to Value Retail PLC directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Waiter in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Value Retail PLC and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Value Retail PLC
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
