Head Waiter

Number Sixteen - Food and Beverage; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal on shift

Health cash plan

Flexible scheduling

Overtime on bank holidays

English lessons

Job summary

Number Sixteen Hotel in London seeks a dynamic Head Waiter to lead dining service and ensure unforgettable guest experiences. You will manage tables, guide teammates, and present menu recommendations with flair.

The role rewards high performance in a fast-paced setting, focusing on precision, presentation, and exceptional guest care. The successful candidate will thrive under pressure and demonstrate a genuine passion for gastronomy.

Qualifications

• Ability to thrive under pressure and deliver top service.
• Genuine passion for gastronomy and presentation.
• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environments.
• Dedication to delivering exceptional guest care.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests, take orders, and provide menu recommendations.
• Ensure timely delivery of dishes and smooth payment processing.
• Maintain impeccable service standards and hospitality at all times.
• Collaborate with team to uphold dining room reputation.
• Coordinate to orchestrate flawless dining experiences for guests.

Skills

Pressure management

Gastronomy passion

High-volume service

Guest service

Organization

Communication

Job description

Join our prestigious team at Firmdale Hotels and embark on an extraordinary journey of hospitality excellence. At our renowned Number Sixteen Hotel, we're seeking a dynamic individual to fill the pivotal role of Head Waiter.

As a Head Waiter, you'll be at the forefront of our guests' experience, embodying our commitment to exceptional service and culinary passion. From seamlessly managing multiple tables to providing personalised recommendations, you'll thrive in our fast-paced environment where attention to detail is paramount.

Responsibilities

• Engage with guests warmly, taking orders, offering expert recommendations, and ensuring timely delivery of their culinary delights.
• Demonstrate finesse in processing payments and promptly fulfilling any guest requests with efficiency and flair.
• Champion our commitment to excellence by maintaining impeccable standards of service and hospitality at all times.
• Collaborate seamlessly with our dynamic team to uphold the reputation of our bustling restaurant as a beacon of culinary excellence.
• Utilize your exceptional organizational and communication skills to orchestrate flawless dining experiences for our discerning clientele

What you Need

• Ability to thrive under pressure, turning challenges into opportunities to exceed expectations.
• A genuine passion for gastronomy, coupled with a keen eye for quality and presentation.
• Proven experience in high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environments, where adaptability is key.
• An unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.
• Outstanding organizational skills, ensuring smooth operations even in the busiest of services.
• A collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills, essential for fostering a cohesive team environment where excellence is the standard.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £16.50 to £17.50, inclusive of service charge.
• Health cash plan (including contributions towards dental, optical, alternative and complementary therapies)
• Complimentary meals on shift
• Flexible scheduling without split shifts
• Paid overtime for working Bank Holidays
• Enhanced holiday allowance based on length of service
• Ongoing training, professional development, and fully funded English lessons
• Refer a friend bonus and earn over £500
• Access to Stream, our financial wellbeing app - access your earnings before pay day, automate your savings and be supported with financial coaching
• Exclusive discounts at Design Hotels, staff sales, spa discounts, and product perks
• Discounted cinema tickets, gym membership, travel, retailers and restaurants
• Dry cleaning service for uniform and discounted personal items
• Regular social events, team activities, and fitness sessions
• One paid volunteering day, every year
• Annual long service awards with rewards at key milestones
• Season ticket loan for convenient commuting
• Cycle to work scheme
• And much more!...

About Us

Situated in the heart of South Kensington, Number Sixteen is part of our Townhouse Collection, a carefully curated group of hotels in some of London's most coveted residential neighbourhoods. Behind its elegant white stucco façade, you'll find 41 individually designed bedrooms, a beautiful light-filled Orangery and a leafy courtyard garden, all just a short stroll from Kensington Gardens and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

This is a hotel that offers something genuinely rare: a sense of calm and intimacy in the middle of one of the world's great cities. We look for people who share that attention to detail and who find real fulfilment in making guests feel truly at home.

You'll be joining an award-winning team:

• Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, 2025 & 2026
• One Michelin Key, 2024, 2025
• One AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, The Orangery, 2026
• Best Afternoon Tea, Country & Townhouse, 2024
• Best Boutique Hotels in London, The Times, 2024
• Best Garden Hotel, Brighter Kensington and Chelsea Awards, 2025
• Best Garden Hotel, The London Garden Society, 2023

You can see a full list of our awards and accolades here: https://www.firmdalehotels.com/b/awards-accolades/

Firmdale Hotels was founded in London, in 1985 by husband and wife team, Tim and Kit Kemp. Today, Firmdale has grown to include hotels and private residences across London and New York as well restaurants, bars, spas, an online shop, interior design studio and Laundry facility.

Firmdale Hotels welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive workplace. Please let us know if you need adjustments during the recruitment process. In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we do require all applicants to have the eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom. Documentation will be required at interview stage