Head Waiter / Waitress

Caffè Concerto; Greater London; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% staff discount

4 weeks paid annual holiday

Learning and development opportunities

Free meal during working hours

Tips, service charge, staff food

Job summary

Caffè Concerto is seeking a Head Waiter to lead and train front-of-house staff across luxury cafés and all-day dining venues. You will ensure guests receive a warm welcome and professional service while upholding our standards of hospitality.

In this role you will coach the team on upselling, menu knowledge, and allergen information, while maintaining calmness under pressure and a meticulous approach to presentation. You will collaborate with managers, bartenders, and kitchen staff daily.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading front-of-house teams and training staff.
• Strong guest-care and upselling coaching experience.
• Excellent communication and presence with guests and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support the waiting team during service.
• Train new and existing staff in table service and guest care.
• Ensure guests receive a warm welcome and professional service.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, communication, and hospitality.
• Supervise the restaurant floor and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Support staff with order taking, food and drink service, and guest requests.
• Coach team members on upselling, menu knowledge, allergens, and service steps.
• Monitor service quality and provide feedback to improve performance.
• Handle guest queries and complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure the restaurant is clean, organised, and ready for service at all times.
• Work closely with managers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and other departments.
• Support opening and closing procedures when required.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety, and company standards.

Skills

Head Waiter experience

Guest Service

Staff Training

Communication Skills

Calm under Pressure

Attention to detail

Job description

Head Waiter / Service Trainer

This very popular and iconic luxury café and all-day dining restaurant concept has been taking the market by storm since the early 90s. Located only in prime real estate locations across Westminster, we are now seeking a passionate, experienced, and service-driven Head Waiter to join our successful team and support the training and development of our front-of-house staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support the waiting team during service
• Train new and existing staff in excellent table service and guest care
• Ensure all guests receive a warm welcome and professional service
• Maintain high standards of presentation, communication, and hospitality
• Supervise the restaurant floor and ensure smooth daily operations
• Support staff with order taking, food and drink service, and guest requests
• Coach team members on upselling, menu knowledge, allergens, and service steps
• Monitor service quality and provide feedback to improve performance
• Handle guest queries and complaints professionally and efficiently
• Ensure the restaurant is clean, organised, and ready for service at all times
• Work closely with managers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and other departments
• Support opening and closing procedures when required
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety, and company standards

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, Supervisor, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of high-quality restaurant service
• Experience training or coaching front-of-house staff
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills
• Ability to lead by example and remain calm under pressure
• Strong attention to detail and guest-focused approach
• Ability to keep the restaurant organised, clean, and under control
• Professional appearance and confident customer service skills
• Flexibility to work full-time, including weekends and busy periods
• Right to work in the United Kingdom is required

Benefits

• 50% staff discount in all our venues, even on your days off, for you and up to 3 family members
• 4 weeks paid annual holiday
• Learning and development opportunities
• Free meal during working hours
• Competitive pay depending on experience
• Tips, service charge, staff food, and other incentives included
• Around 45 hours per week
• No split shifts

Pay

Competitive salary depending on experience, from £13.46 to £15.00 per hour, including service charge, plus tips, staff food, and other incentives.

Job Type

• Full-time

Application Questions

• Do you have experience in a similar Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, or Supervisor position?
• Do you have experience training or supporting front-of-house staff?
• Can you work full-time?

Work Authorisation

United Kingdom work authorisation is required.

Work Location

In person