Host & Receptionist

Humble Grape; City Of London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Wine training with WSET-qualified team

Staff discounts

Complimentary staff meals

Cycle to Work Scheme

Annual staff events

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Vivat Bacchus in Farringdon, London, is seeking a confident Host & Receptionist to manage reservations, welcome guests, and seat them thoughtfully, helping the floor team during busy services.

You’ll create memorable experiences through warm interactions, organisation, and a passion for hospitality; Monday to Saturday shifts with Sundays off, and a chance to join a team that celebrates South African cuisine and wine.

Qualifications

• Previous hosting, reservations, or front-of-house experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to manage bookings and greet guests professionally.
• UK right to work and fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Managing reservations: handling bookings, enquiries, phone calls, and special requests.
• Welcoming guests: creating a warm, genuine first impression and making everyone feel at home.
• Coordinating seating: managing arrivals, table allocations and communication with the floor team.
• Looking after guests: responding to questions and requests with confidence and professionalism.
• Supporting the floor: helping the team during busy services to keep everything running smoothly.
• Creating memorable experiences: anticipating guest needs and ensuring everyone feels valued.

Skills

Warm personality

Organised

Communication skills

Fluent English

Right to work in the UK

Guest service experience

Job description

£17–£19 per hour

Are you warm, charismatic, organised, and passionate about creating great first impressions?

Do you love bringing people together, keeping things running smoothly, and making every guest feel welcome?

At Vivat Bacchus, hospitality starts before the first glass of wine is poured. We're looking for a confident, personable, and organised Host & Receptionist to manage reservations, welcome and seat guests, and help create memorable experiences at our Farringdon restaurant.

If you're a natural people person who thrives in a busy restaurant, we'd love to meet you.

ABOUT US

At Vivat Bacchus, we celebrate South African food and wine in a warm, inviting atmosphere inspired by the spirit of a working winery.

With seasonal menus, an exceptional wine list, and distinctive interiors, we're passionate about great food, wine, and memorable hospitality.

Above all, it's our people who make us special. Every guest should feel welcome, valued, and looked after from the moment they arrive.

THE ROLE

As our Host & Receptionist, you'll be at the heart of the guest experience, ensuring every visit starts on the right note.

Your main focus will be managing bookings, coordinating arrivals, and welcoming and seating guests, while supporting the floor team whenever needed.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing reservations: Handling bookings, enquiries, phone calls, and special requests.
• Welcoming guests: Creating a warm, genuine first impression and making everyone feel at home.
• Coordinating seating: Managing arrivals, table allocations, and communication with the floor team.
• Looking after guests: Responding to questions and requests with confidence and professionalism.
• Supporting the floor: Helping the team during busy services to keep everything running smoothly.
• Creating memorable experiences: Anticipating guest needs and ensuring everyone feels valued.

This is more than a reception role. It's about combining organisation, personality, and genuine hospitality to make every visit special.

WHO YOU ARE

We're looking for someone who:

• Is warm, confident, and naturally welcoming.
• Is highly organised, attentive to detail, and comfortable managing multiple bookings.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, in person and over the phone.
• Stays calm under pressure and enjoys a busy restaurant environment.
• Is proactive, reliable, and happy to support the wider team.
• Takes pride in their appearance and professionalism.
• Has experience in hosting, reservations, reception, or customer-facing hospitality.
• Has an interest in food, wine, and hospitality; a passion for South African culture is a bonus.
• Speaks fluent English and has the right to work in the UK.

Most importantly, you understand that great hospitality is about making people feel special.

WHAT YOU GET

We believe in looking after the people who look after our guests. We offer:

• £19–£20 per hour
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Professional wine training with our WSET-qualified team.
• Staff discounts across Vivat Bacchus and Humble Grape.
• Complimentary staff meals.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Annual staff events and referral bonuses.
• The opportunity to join a passionate team that does things differently.

WHERE YOU'LL BE

Vivat Bacchus, Farringdon, London.

A lively Central London restaurant with distinctive interiors, an exciting wine list, and a team passionate about making hospitality personal and memorable.

THE SCHEDULE

Monday to Saturday, with Sundays and bank holidays off.