Food & Beverage Server

The Ideal Collection; Southampton; On-site; GBP 12,398,000 - 17,909,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay & transparent tips

Flexible rotas

Real food & local perks

Well-being support

Growth & adventure

Team belonging

Job summary

The Ideal Collection in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Server who hosts with heart, purpose, and professional flair. You will craft memorable experiences, be the best part of a guest’s day, and own your section with calm authority during busy times.

We are a human-led business that values fair pay, flexible rotas, real food from local producers, employee wellbeing, and clear progression into management.

Qualifications

• You are an experienced Server who hosts with heart, purpose and professional flair.
• You craft experiences and aim to be the best part of a guest’s day.
• You can run your section with calm authority during busy periods.
• You engage with guests and teammates in a warm, professional manner.
• You understand the menu and contribute to a smooth shift.

Responsibilities

• Own your section with calm authority, ensuring service is organised and high-energy during busy rushes.
• Engage with guests and teammates on a human level to keep the shift running smoothly.
• Know the menu inside out and contribute to a seamless guest experience.
• Support the team to ensure a balanced and happy work environment.

Job description

Be the heart of our community

To reach our ambitions and truly earn our place in the hearts of our neighbours, we’re looking for an experiencedServerwho hosts with heart, purpose, and professional flair.

At our core, we are a values-driven business. We don't just "carry plates"; we live by values that put people first and focus on delivering "WOW" to every table, every time.

What success looks like here:

• The "WOW" Factor:You don’t just take orders; you craft experiences. Your goal is to be the best part of a guest’s day, intuitively knowing what they need before they even ask.
• Section Ownership:You are a hospitality pro. You run your section with calm authority, ensuring service is organised, seamless, and high-energy even during the busiest rushes.
• Honest Connection:You engage with guests and your team on a human level—authentic, warm, and professional. You’re a team player who communicates clearly to keep the shift running smoothly.
• Conscious Service:You know our menu inside out and take pride in our local sourcing. You help us reduce waste and support our mission to care for our local environment.
• Self-Aware & Mindful:You know that a great guest experience starts with your own well-being. You take responsibility for your energy and support your teammates to stay balanced and happy.
• Wholeheartedly Positive:You bring your best self to work. You celebrate your teammates' strengths and help make the restaurant a fulfilling, joyful place to be for everyone.

Why you’ll love it here:

We are a human-led business, completely devoid of corporate fluff. We want to do the right thing by you.

• Fair Pay & Transparent Tips:Competitive hourly rate plus an equal share of all tips, distributed through TIPJAR weekly.
• Flexible Rotas:We value your life outside of work. We offer flexible scheduling to help you maintain a healthy balance.
• Real Food & Local Perks:No "soggy sandwiches"—we provide fresh meals using the same local produce we serve our guests. Plus, friends and family discounts across our 5 venues.
• Your Well-being First:Access to the Hospitality Rewards App, providing a private GP, Mental Health support (EAP), and shopping discounts.
• Growth & Adventure:28 days holiday (pro-rata), amazing supplier trips (vineyards, breweries, farms), and clear pathways if you want to progress into management.
• A Place to Belong:Free parking, epic staff parties, and a team of "really quite lovely" people who genuinely care.