London - Head Waiter/ess

Thesleff Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals while on duty

Dining discounts across Thesleff Group

Training & development

Career progression

Inclusive working environment

Iconic London restaurant heritage

Job summary

Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge, part of Thesleff Group, is seeking an experienced Head Waiter to lead service on the floor at one of London’s iconic Italian restaurants in Knightsbridge. You will guide wait staff, ensure warm hospitality, and uphold high dining standards from arrival to departure.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent guest service, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Head Waiter/ Senior Waiter experience in a quality restaurant
• Passion for hospitality and guest experience
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Confident, professional, well presented
• Good knowledge of food and wine service standards
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Organised, reliable and guest-focused
• Must have the right to live and work in the UK

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service in line with Sale e Pepe standards
• Support the Restaurant Manager and senior team in day-to-day service
• Lead and guide Waiters, Commis Waiters, and runners during service
• Ensure guests are welcomed, seated and looked after professionally
• Take orders accurately for food, wine and drinks
• Maintain strong menu knowledge and communicate recommendations clearly
• Ensure tables are set, cleared and maintained to a high standard
• Handle guest requests and feedback professionally
• Support training and development of junior team members
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of the floor
• Follow health, safety, hygiene and licensing standards

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Communication

Job description

Head Waiter – Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge

Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge is one of London’s most iconic Italian restaurants, proudly serving authentic Italian hospitality since 1974. Known for its warm service, vibrant atmosphere, and timeless Italian cuisine, Sale e Pepe continues to offer guests a memorable dining experience in the heart of Knightsbridge.

We are now looking for an experienced and confident Head Waiter to join our front-of-house team and help lead service standards on the floor.

The Role

As a Head Waiter, you will play a key role in supporting the management team with the smooth running of service. You will lead by example, ensuring guests receive professional, attentive, and warm hospitality from arrival to departure.

You will support the wider waiting team, help maintain high service standards, and ensure the restaurant floor operates efficiently during busy services. This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality professional with strong service experience and natural leadership skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service in line with Sale e Pepe standards
• Support the Restaurant Manager and senior team in the day-to-day running of service
• Lead and guide Waiters, Commis Waiters, and runners during service
• Ensure guests are welcomed, seated, and looked after professionally
• Take orders accurately and confidently, including food, wine, and drinks
• Maintain strong menu knowledge and communicate recommendations clearly
• Ensure tables are set, cleared, and maintained to a high standard
• Handle guest requests and feedback in a professional and positive manner
• Support training and development of junior team members
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and presentation of the restaurant floor
• Follow all health, safety, hygiene, and licensing standards

About You

• Previous experience as a Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, or experienced Waiter in a quality restaurant
• Passion for hospitality and delivering excellent guest experiences
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Confident, professional, and well presented
• Good knowledge of food, wine, and restaurant service standards
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Positive attitude and strong team spirit
• Organised, reliable, and guest-focused
• Must have the right to live and work in the UK

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Staff meals while on duty
• Employee dining discounts across Thesleff Group venues
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Career progression within a growing hospitality group
• Supportive and inclusive working environment
• The opportunity to be part of an iconic London restaurant with a rich heritage

Equal Opportunities

Thesleff Group is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.