Food & Beverage Assistant

Bespoke Hotels; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Siren, the signature fine dining restaurant at Hotel Gotham in Newcastle, is seeking a Waiter/Waitress to join our passionate team. You will deliver refined, intuitive service from arrival to departure, pairing knowledge of the menu with guest expectations in a five-star setting.

Collaborate with culinary and sommelier teams to guide guests through menus, upsell appropriately, and uphold health and safety standards. A professional, polished presence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in fine dining or high-end hospitality preferred.
• Ability to describe dishes clearly and accommodate dietary requirements.
• Strong knowledge of wine/beverage matching and upselling opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver warm, personalised, and elegant service to guests in line with fine dining standards.
• Describe dishes, ingredients, preparation methods and menu concepts with confidence.
• Explain dietary requirements and allergies, and manage multi-course service timing and etiquette.
• Maintain front-of-house cleanliness and support with private events and seamless service.

Skills

Guest service

Wine & beverage knowledge

Menu knowledge

Allergen awareness

Job description

Job Title: F&B Assistant

Location: Hotel Gotham – Newcastle – Siren

Department: Food and Beverage

Reports to: Restaurant Manager

Role Overview

As a Waiter/Waitress at Siren, the signature fine dining restaurant at Hotel Gotham – Newcastle, you will be part of a passionate and professional team dedicated to delivering refined, intuitive service. Your role is to ensure each guest enjoys a memorable and seamless dining experience, from arrival to departure.

Working closely with the culinary and sommelier teams, you will act as both host and guide—providing detailed knowledge of the menu, anticipating guest needs, and embodying the grace and poise expected in a five-star service setting.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Service

• Deliver warm, personalised, and elegant service to every guest, in line with the standards of fine dining.
• Confidently describe and explain dishes, ingredients, preparation techniques, and menu concepts.
• Understand and accommodate dietary requirements, allergies, and special requests.
• Ensure service flows seamlessly across multiple courses, including timing, etiquette, and guest preferences.
• Build rapport with guests to create a bespoke dining experience and encourage repeat visits.

Restaurant Operations

• Prepare the restaurant for service, including setting tables, polishing glassware and cutlery, and ensuring mise en place is complete.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of all front-of-house areas in line with health and hygiene standards.
• Support the team in running food and beverages, resetting tables, and assisting with private events as required.
• Communicate clearly with kitchen, bar, and management to ensure smooth and efficient service.

Product Knowledge & Upselling

• Maintain a deep understanding of the à la carte and tasting menus, including provenance and chef philosophy.
• Support wine and beverage pairing by working closely with the sommelier team and having a strong knowledge of the drinks menu.
• Upsell premium offerings and seasonal specials where appropriate, always in a natural and informed manner.

Compliance & Health and Safety

• Follow all hotel policies, procedures, and legal guidelines relating to food safety, hygiene, and guest wellbeing.
• Complete all necessary daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.
• Attend training sessions related to Health & Safety, Food Safety, Allergen Awareness, and Emergency Procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES & PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Demonstrates poise, polish, and exceptional attention to detail in every guest interaction.
• Maintains composure and professionalism in high-pressure environments.
• Delivers high guest satisfaction scores and positive feedback consistently.
• Proactively supports the wider F&B and hotel team during service.
• Understands the impact of personal service on the reputation and profitability of the restaurant.