Afternoon Tea Host

Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co

North East

Hybrid

GBP 12,000 - 17,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Car Parking

Discounts at retail & food outlets

Discounts at High Force Hotel

Free access to leisure attractions

Behind the scenes tour

Estate social events

Staff training and development

Job summary

Raby Castle is seeking an Afternoon Tea Host for The Vinery to welcome guests and create memorable experiences. You will deliver warm hospitality, manage seating, and help ensure an exceptional afternoon tea service within the Vinery Café.

Join a friendly team, assist with menu explanations, dietary awareness, and share the estate’s rich history while maintaining high presentation standards and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

Experience with cash handling and EPOS systems preferred.
Availability to work weekends and holidays is essential.
Outgoing, helpful, and friendly personality.
Confident engaging with members of the public.
Willingness to undertake appropriate training.

Responsibilities

Greet guests warmly and value them from arrival.
Escort guests to tables and manage seating efficiently.
Anticipate needs and provide personalized experiences.
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure seamless service.
Explain menu items, ingredients and flavours.
Share Raby Castle history with guests.
Understand dietary requirements and allergens.
Prepare and serve a range of teas and coffees.
Maintain high presentation standards in Vinery Café.
Engage guests to encourage return visits.

Skills

Cash handling

EPOS system

Weekend availability

Outgoing personality

Guest engagement

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Adaptability

Training willingness

Integrity

Job description

Reports to:

F & B Manager, F & B Ops Manager, F & B Supervisors

Department:

Leisure and Tourism

Location:

The Vinery, Raby Castle, Park & Gardens

Hours:

Seasonal, we are looking for people that can mainly only work weekends but can also assist during Events and school holiday periods.

Rate of Pay:

Competitive depending on experience and age. (Above NMW)

Job Ref:

VA250-2026

Do you love meeting new people? Are you passionate about creating great experiences? Do you want to let your personality shine? We are looking for hosts who can make our festive dining experiences an event to remember. If this sounds like you, then please read on.

About Raby

Raby is a thriving, family‑run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward‑looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens in County Durham. Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.

In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises of landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the land.

About the Role

As an Afternoon Tea Host at The Vinery, you will be the welcoming face of Raby Estate, creating memorable experiences for our guests from the moment they step through our doors. You will play a key role in delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring every guest feels warmly welcomed and well looked after throughout their visit.

Working as part of a friendly and dedicated team, you will assist with the smooth running of our afternoon tea service, paying close attention to detail and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. Every guest should leave feeling that they have enjoyed something truly special.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Greet each guest with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, making them feel valued and appreciated from the moment they arrive.
Arrange your daily bookings to ensure tables are prepared in advance then escort each guest to their table, ensuring a smooth and efficient seating process while maintaining a keen eye for detail.
Proactively anticipate guests needs and preferences, going above and beyond to exceed expectations and create personalized experiences.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across various departments to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
Explain each item on the menu, including ingredients, preparation and flavour profiles.
Share the fascinating history of Raby Castle with our guests together with the wider offer of the Estate.
Understanding dietary requirements, allergen information and applicable processes.
Preparing and serving a wide range of teas and coffees to the highest standards.
Maintain exceptional presentation standards throughout the Vinery Café.
Engage guests in friendly and inspiring conversation, sharing your passion for Raby and hospitality to create memorable moments that encourage our guests to return and recommend the experience.

This list is not exhaustive, and you will be required to carry out any other reasonable tasks as required.

Requirements

Previous experience of cash handling and use of an EPOS system or similar, preferred but not essential.
Availability to work weekends and holidays is essential.
An outgoing, helpful, and friendly personality.
Confident in engaging with members of the public.
Enthusiasm and capacity for hard work.
Flexible attitude with willingness to undertake any task required.
Effective communication and organisational skills.
Honesty and a high level of integrity
Willingness to adapt to different tasks and schedules, responsive to changing needs in the Food and beverage environment.
Systematic and cheerful approach with a ‘can do’ problem solving attitude.
Willing to undertake appropriate training.
A kind and caring attitude towards your colleagues and customers.