Host

Nessa Soho; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Nessa Soho in London’s vibrant Soho is seeking a friendly Restaurant Host to welcome guests and manage front‑of‑house operations at both Nessa and Yasmin venues.

You will greet guests, seat parties, handle reservations and assist with various duties to ensure a warm, efficient dining experience. The role demands excellent communication, organisational skills and a calm, proactive approach in a busy restaurant environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service, preferably in hospitality or restaurant settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for guest interaction.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with tact.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with reservation systems; OpenTable/Seven Rooms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with a warm, friendly smile on arrival.
• Manage seating allocations considering reservations and party sizes.
• Take and manage reservations via phone, email, or in person.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming front-of-house and reception area.
• Coordinate with staff to ensure smooth operations and note guest requests.
• Monitor dining flow and communicate with the kitchen for timely service.
• Handle guest inquiries and upsell menu items when appropriate.
• Upsell promotions to maximise revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Uphold restaurant policies, safety regulations, and guest data confidentiality.
• Support the floor team as required.

Skills

Customer service

Reservation management

OpenTable/Seven Rooms

Job description

About Nessa:

A modern British restaurant and bar rooted in character and charm, Nessa brings together nostalgic dishes and contemporary flair in the heart of Soho. Designed for conversation, it’s a space that invites long lunches and spontaneous evenings.

About Yasmin

Yasmin, nestled among Soho's rooftops on the corner of Brewer and Warwick Street, is an intimate Middle Eastern restaurant, bar, and terrace with panoramic city views. It's a suntrap ideal for leisurely lunches, sundown cocktails, late-night dining and revelry. We serve seasonal Middle Eastern sharing plates, boast an extensive wine list, and offer lively cocktails, ensuring an unforgettable experience, day or night.

The Role

We are looking for a passionate Restaurant Host to provide exceptional customer service to our valued guests at 1 Warwick’s Nessaand Yasmin restaurants.

As a Restaurant Host, you will be the first point of contact for our guests, ensuring they have a positive dining experience right from the moment they walk through the door at both our restaurants. Your primary responsibility will be to greet and seat guests, manage reservations, and assist with various front-of-house duties to create a welcoming and organized environment.

Responsibilities:

• Greet guests with a warm and friendly smile upon their arrival at the restaurant.
• Maintain a professional manner and provide excellent customer service throughout the guests' dining experience.
• Manage the seating of guests efficiently and effectively, considering table availability and reservation status.
• Handle guest inquiries, provide accurate information about the restaurant's offerings, and offer recommendations when necessary.
• Take and record reservations over the phone, through email, or in-person, ensuring accurate details are captured.
• Maintain a clean and organized front-of-house area, including the reception area, waiting area, and entrance.
• Collaborate with the restaurant staff to ensure smooth operations and communicate any special requests or needs from guests to the appropriate team members.
• Monitor the flow of guests in the dining area and communicate with the kitchen staff to ensure timely service.
• Handle guest complaints or concerns in a professional manner, striving to resolve issues to the satisfaction of the guests.
• Assist in maintaining and updating guest database and reservation system, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information.
• Upsell menu items and promote special promotions to guests, maximising revenue opportunities.
• Maintain knowledge of restaurant policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Assist the floor team as required

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a customer service role, preferably in a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with guests, colleagues, and management.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, handling difficult or challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in reservation management systems and basic computer skills.
• Knowledge of OpenTable/Seven Rooms (desirable)
• A friendly and outgoing personality, with a genuine passion for providing exceptional guest experiences.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.