Head Waiter

Relais & Châteaux; Windermere; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious hotel group where you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional dining experiences. This position offers the chance to showcase your skills in a luxurious environment, serving guests with confidence and elegance. You'll be part of a cohesive team, ensuring every detail is perfect from setting tables to managing guest expectations. With a focus on high-quality service and a commitment to food safety, this role is ideal for those looking to grow in the hospitality industry. Enjoy a range of perks including company events, discounts, and potential relocation assistance.

Benefits

Canteen

Company events

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Free or subsidised travel

Gym membership

On-site parking

Relocation assistance

Staff transport between houses and hotel

Qualifications

• Experience in waiting roles, ideally in hotel dining.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Run a section of the restaurant to a high standard.
• Communicate guest issues with management and kitchen.
• Prepare tea and coffee to guest requirements.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Food safety knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Flexibility in working hours

Education

Food hygiene qualification

Tools

EPOS system

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.

• Runs a section of the restaurant to a high standard throughout the guest’s full dining experience
• Shows flexibility and adaptability in working both breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts
• Sets up the restaurant before dinner service according to the table plan
• Opens tables on EPOS ahead of dinner service, recording any allergies or requests
• Understands the menu and any amendments that need to be made for allergens
• Communicates guest issues with the management team and the kitchen
• Processes food orders and payments on EPOS
• Takes drinks orders and process them on EPOS
• Processes vouchers on EPOS
• Charges bills to guest’s rooms accurately
• Prepares tea and coffee to guest’s requirement
• Presents and explains the the layout of the wine list to guests
• Seats guests confidently in the restaurant and explains how the menu works
• Serves dishes to the guests confidently using the correct explanation from the kitchen
• Calls away dishes to the kitchen in an efficient manner
• Clears tables with elegance
• Reads guests confidently and understands the table side manner they may be expecting
• Understands safety procedures and follows them to ensure guests and colleagues are kept safe
• Represents the restaurant in a positive manner all while on hotel grounds
• Communicates clearly with guests to manage their expectations and never mislead
• Takes pride in and look after the uniform provided by SOURCE
• Sets a good example for the Chef de Rangs and Commis Waiters
• Has a good understanding of food hygiene and the role it plays in every part of the restaurant
• Supports the management team in the smooth running of the restaurant
• Contributes to guest profiles for returning guests
• Handles end of night banking and shift handovers

• Food hygiene qualification is essential (or at least willingness to undertake in a timely manner).
• Previous experience in waiting on roles, ideally within a hotel dining service. .
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to support restaurant operations effectively.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays as per the demands of the establishment.
• Can act as a First Aid Aider or Fire Warden in the event of an accident or emergency.

Salary: £31,005

Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being from £550 per month.

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