Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager

Downham Hall; Downham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Downham Hall in the Essex countryside is seeking an Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager to lead the Front of House team and oversee bespoke evening events. You will work closely with the owner, Head Chef and team to uphold two Rosette standards and deliver exceptional wine knowledge and service.

The role combines daily restaurant and bar service with intimate weddings and private dining events, offering real autonomy, career progression and a supportive family-run environment in a stunning 5-star

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership within a fine dining restaurant or luxury hotel.
• Strong wine knowledge and Rosette/Michelin standards experience.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills; ability to lead autonomously.
• Drive, ambition and a genuine love of hospitality.
• Transport to the countryside location is essential.

Responsibilities

• Daily Operations: Leading the restaurant and bar service for lunch, Afternoon Tea, and 2 AA Rosette evening dining.
• Events Management: Taking the lead on intimate, food-focused weddings and private dining events.
• Events and Wedding Venue: Downham Hall is a 2AA Rosette restaurant, events and wedding venue with 5 star rooms.
• Team Leadership: Mentoring a small, passionate team to maintain and exceed rosette standards.
• Business Growth: Assisting with the promotion and nurturing of the restaurant to reach new accolades.
• Service Excellence: Ensuring exceptional wine knowledge and high-end service standards are met consistently.

Skills

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Organizational skills

Communication

Job description

JOB TITLE — ASSISTANT RESTAURANT & BAR MANAGER (2 AA ROSETTE)

Job Description

Are you an ambitious hospitality professional with a passion for fine dining? Downham Hall is a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with 5 star rooms set in the heart of the Essex countryside. We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Manager to lead our Front of House team and oversee our bespoke evening events.

The Role

You will work closely with the owner, Head Chef and team. You will be responsible for:

• Daily Operations: Leading the restaurant and bar service for lunch, Afternoon Tea, and 2 AA Rosette evening dining.
• Events Management: Taking the lead on intimate, food-focused weddings and private dining events.
• Events and Wedding Venue: Downham Hall is a 2AA Rosette restaurant, events and wedding venue with 5 star rooms, set in the Heart of the Essex countryside
• Team Leadership: Mentoring a small, passionate team to maintain and exceed rosette standards.
• Business Growth: Assisting with the promotion and nurturing of the restaurant to reach new accolades.
• Service Excellence: Ensuring exceptional wine knowledge and high-end service standards are met consistently.

Shift Pattern

• Full-time hours including evenings and weekends.
• A mix of restaurant service and event supervision.

Requirements

• Experience: Proven leadership experience within a fine dining restaurant or luxury hotel environment.
• Expertise: Strong wine knowledge and experience working to Rosette/Michelin standards.
• Skills: Exceptional organisational and communication skills; the ability to lead autonomously.
• Traits: Drive, ambition, and a genuine love of hospitality.
• Transport: Due to our beautiful countryside location, access to private transport is essential.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a stunning, high-spec 5-star environment.
• Be part of a friendly, family-run team that values hard work and creativity.
• Real autonomy to influence the direction of a new and growing business.
• Competitive salary and career progression opportunities.

Downham Hall is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience levels.