Host

Sonder Bar & Bistro; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonder Bar & Bistro in Cardiff is seeking a Host to be the heartbeat at the restaurant entrance, greeting guests with warmth and guiding them to their tables while setting the tone for exceptional hospitality.

You will oversee reservations, communicate with guests before and after visits, and balance seating, waiter workload and kitchen capacity to keep service smooth. Previous busy-restaurant experience is helpful, but a welcoming personality is key. Compensation: To be discussed.

Qualifications

• Warm, engaging personality and professional demeanour.
• Strong communication skills both face-to-face and on the phone.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise and stay calm under pressure.
• Experience in busy hospitality is desirable but attitude matters most.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly and escort to their tables.
• Coordinate with servers to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Manage reservations accurately and respond to guest enquiries.
• Communicate important details to the floor team during service.
• Balance seating with waiter workload and kitchen flow to optimise service.

Skills

Warm personality

Excellent communication

Organised

Calm under pressure

Hospitality mindset

Job description

The Role

As a Host, you are the heartbeat of the restaurant entrance and the central point of communication for our guests. You'll welcome every guest with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring they feel valued from the moment they arrive.

This role is about far more than greeting guests. You'll oversee the flow of the restaurant, manage reservations, communicate with guests before and after their visit, and allocate tables thoughtfully to ensure the smoothest possible service.

A great Host understands that every seating decision has a ripple effect, balancing guest expectations, waiter workloads and kitchen capacity to create a seamless dining experience for everyone.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Deliver a genuinely warm, friendly and professional welcome to every guest.
• Escort guests to their tables and introduce them to their server.
• Communicate all relevant information to the assigned section waiter as the guests are seated, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience.
• Recognise returning guests wherever possible and help create memorable experiences through thoughtful, personalised hospitality.
• Manage guest expectations during busy periods with confidence and empathy.
• Handle guest enquiries and concerns professionally, escalating to management where appropriate.
• Create memorable first and last impressions for every guest.

Reservations & Communication

• Manage the reservation system accurately and efficiently.
• Answer telephone calls professionally, assisting with reservations and guest enquiries.
• Respond to reservation emails and guest correspondence promptly and professionally.
Send reservation confirmation and reminder emails.
• Contact guests on the waitlist when tables become available.
• Maintain accurate reservation notes, including celebrations, allergies, accessibility requirements and guest preferences.
• Maximise covers where appropriate by managing cancellations, no-shows and late availability.

Floor Management

• Allocate tables strategically, considering section balance, waiter workload and kitchen flow.
• Think beyond simply filling the next available table, always considering the overall rhythm of service.
• Work closely with managers and the kitchen to control the pace of seating throughout service.
• Ensure no section becomes overwhelmed while maintaining an excellent guest experience.
• Adapt the floor plan throughout the service as bookings and walk-ins change.
• Communicate clearly with the floor team regarding arrivals, special requests and table availability.

Team Support

• Work collaboratively with both Front and Back of House teams.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming reception area.
• Support the wider restaurant team wherever required to deliver outstanding hospitality.

What We're Looking For

• A naturally warm, engaging and confident personality.
• Excellent communication skills, both face-to-face and over the phone.
• Exceptional organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and prioritise effectively.
• Commercial awareness and the confidence to make decisions independently.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and guest experience.
• Previous experience in a busy hospitality environment is desirable, but attitude and personality are equally important.

Our Expectations

The Host is one of the most influential roles in the restaurant. You're responsible for setting the tone of every guest's experience while orchestrating the flow of service behind the scenes.

You'll understand when to slow the pace of seating to allow the kitchen to recover, when to balance sections so every table receives exceptional service, and when to utilise the waitlist to maximise the restaurant's potential. You'll communicate confidently with guests, manage reservations proactively, and ensure every interaction reflects the warmth and professionalism that Sonder is known for.

We don't just want someone to greet guests—we're looking for someone who sees the bigger picture, takes ownership of the guest journey, and plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional hospitality that defines Sonder.

Compensation: To be discussed