Deputy Restaurant Manager

Relais & Châteaux; Cartmel Fell; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on shift

Uniform provided

Generous gratuities

Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain

5 AA Red Stars recognition

Job summary

Gilpin Spice, the Michelin‑recommended pan‑Asian restaurant on the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House estate, seeks a Deputy Restaurant Manager to lead service, guide a guest‑focused team, and ensure seamless dining experiences.

You’ll be hands‑on throughout the day, guiding flow, presenting dishes, and maintaining vibrant, high‑quality service in a luxury setting.

Qualifications

• Strong restaurant experience within a high‑end or luxury environment.
• Confident, warm, and professional presence.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Passion for guest experience and the theatre of service.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Food hygiene qualification (essential).
• Understanding of allergens and food safety standards.
• Confidence acting as a First Aid Aider or Fire Warden when required.
• Positive attitude, tidy presentation, and pride in personal standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team during service with warm, professional guest interactions.
• Manage reservations, table planning, and service flow for a smooth dining experience.
• Present dishes with charm and upsell drinks, sides, and specials.
• Support the Restaurant Manager with training, coaching, and team development.
• Maintain immaculate standards across presentation, cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere.
• Oversee banking, stock levels, and monthly stock-takes for accuracy.
• Collaborate with Hotel Management, Front Office, and Kitchen to resolve issues quickly.

Skills

Strong restaurant experience

Confident presence

Excellent communication

Guest experience mindset

Flexibility

First Aid awareness

Fire safety

Education

Food hygiene qualification

Job description

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid‑back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.

Deputy Restaurant Manager / DHOD – Gilpin Spice (Full‑Time)

Step into a role that blends hands‑on housekeeping excellence with the quiet magic of the Lake District. As Deputy Housekeeping Manager at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, you’ll help lead the team who shape the aesthetic, calm, and immaculate presentation of our luxury retreat - ensuring every space feels exceptional, serene, and beautifully cared for.

About being a Deputy Restaurant Manager at Gilpin Spice

Set within the stunning grounds of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Gilpin Spice is a Michelin‑recommended, pan‑Asian restaurant inspired by the Spice Trail - bold flavours, vibrant dishes, and a buzzing open‑kitchen atmosphere.

Gilpin Spice is all about energy, personality, and beautifully orchestrated service. As Deputy Restaurant Manager, you’ll support the Restaurant Manager in leading a confident, guest‑focused team, ensuring every service feels seamless, warm, and full of character.

You’ll be hands‑on throughout the day, guiding the flow of the restaurant, supporting the team, presenting dishes with flair, and helping create the lively, welcoming atmosphere that defines the Gilpin Spice experience.

Your Role as Deputy Restaurant Manager

• Leads with upbeat confidence, supporting the team throughout service and ensuring every interaction with guests feels warm, professional, and full of personality.

• Guides the rhythm of the restaurant from reservations, table planning, service flow, guest movements, to daily operational needs, ensuring a smooth, energetic, and well‑orchestrated dining experience.

• Presents dishes with charm and clarity, confidently upselling drinks, sides, and specials to enhance the guest journey.

• Supports the Restaurant Manager with training, coaching, appraisals, and team development, helping build confidence, skill, and a positive, supportive culture.

• Maintains immaculate standards across the restaurant from presentation, cleanliness, organisation, safety, to atmosphere - ensuring Gilpin Spice always feels vibrant and beautifully cared for.

• Oversees banking processes, stock levels, wet‑stock ordering, consumables, and monthly stock‑takes, ensuring accuracy and smooth operations.

• Works closely with Hotel Management, Front Office, Kitchen, and other HODs to resolve issues quickly, support guest needs, and maintain seamless communication across the estate.

• Understands and confidently uses EPOS, reservation systems, and other technology systems that are used to support and train the team in their use.

• Opens and closes the restaurant independently, ensuring security, safety, and a calm, professional end‑to‑day routine.

• Brings an appreciation for wine and the confidence to guide guests through pairings that elevate the Spice Trail flavours.

• Demonstrates strong bar leadership, ensuring cocktails, beverages, and bar service are delivered with consistency, creativity, and impeccable standards.

• Radiates positivity and genuine warmth, helping create the lively, welcoming atmosphere that defines Gilpin Spice.

• Upholds our promise of warmth, energy, and exceptional hospitality - ensuring every guest leaves Gilpin Spice feeling delighted, cared for, and eager to return.

What You Bring

• Strong restaurant experience within a high‑end or luxury environment.

• A confident, warm, and professional presence.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• A passion for guest experience and the theatre of service.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Food hygiene qualification (essential).

• Understanding of allergens and food safety standards.

• Confidence acting as a First Aid Aider or Fire Warden when required.

• A positive attitude, a tidy presentation, and pride in personal standards.

What We Offer:

• A stunning work environment within a Michelin Key‑awarded hotel.

• A supportive, dynamic team and opportunities for growth within the Gilpin family.

• Meals on shift, uniform, and generous gratuities.

• A beautiful Lake District setting that inspires every day.

• The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars and Two Michelin Keys.

• The prestige of working within Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels — becoming part of a global community of exceptional hotels and restaurants united by passion, authenticity, and local tradition.

Bring your passion for service, energy, and leadership to Gilpin Spice - if you’re ready to help shape unforgettable dining experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £33,000 – £36,000 per year, depending on experience

Gratuities: £643 per month (average)

Hours: 45 hours per week.

• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Gym membership
• On‑site parking

Relocation assistance may be available

Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel