Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Daylesford Stays; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts

Gym discounts

Padel discount

Electric car scheme

Volunteer day

Private medical

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Mental health support

Job summary

Daylesford Stays is seeking a warm, polished Restaurant Host for The Wild Rabbit in Kingham. You will be the first point of contact, managing reservations and ensuring a seamless, welcoming dining experience that reflects The Bamford Collection's understated elegance.

Join a renowned fine dining team under Executive Chef Callum Graham, coordinating with FOH, kitchen and hotel teams. Strong organisation and clear communication are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Previous host/reservations/front-of-house experience, preferably in fine dining.
• Immaculate presentation and welcoming manner.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills under pressure.
• Strong communication and guest-relations abilities.
• Proficient with reservation platforms (ResDiary or similar).
• Reliable, punctual, and customer-centric.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests warmly and manage check-ins with confidence.
• Oversee reservations, seating, and guest flow for smooth service.
• Coordinate with FOH, kitchen and hotel teams for seamless dining.
• Record guest preferences, celebrations, and dietary notes accurately.
• Lead briefings and support the team to uphold service standards.

Skills

Guest experience

organisation

multitasking

communication

reservation systems

punctuality

Tools

ResDiary

Job description

Daylesford Stays - a part of The Bamford Collection.

We provide experiences that embrace luxury escapism: understated elegance, indulgence and nurture.

EARNINGS: £36,160 per annum OTE*
(Paid hourly, OTE available through gratuities/service charge)

HOURS: 40 hours per week, any 5 days in 7, including weekends.

About Us

The Wild Rabbit in Kingham is a fine dining restaurant and boutique hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds. Recognised in the Top 50 Gastropubs, the Top 50 Boutique Hotels, and awarded 3 AA Rosettes, The Wild Rabbit blends culinary excellence with warm, authentic hospitality.

Working in close connection with Daylesford Farm, our menus showcase the best seasonal, organic produce, crafted with skill and creativity. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Callum Graham, our team combines classical technique with modern inspiration, making The Wild Rabbit one of the most exciting fine dining destinations in the Cotswolds.

About The Role

We are looking for a warm, polished, and highly organised Restaurant Host to be the first point of contact for our guests. This role sets the tone for the entire dining experience — from the first welcome to the final farewell. As Restaurant Host, you will be responsible for managing reservations, coordinating the flow of service, and maintaining clear communication between front of house, kitchen, and hotel teams. You will ensure every guest receives a seamless, memorable welcome that reflects the understated elegance and genuine hospitality of The Wild Rabbit.

Your Responsibilities

Guest Welcome & Experience

• Create a warm, attentive, and memorable first impression for every guest
• Manage check-ins, seating, and guest flow with confidence and composure
• Build natural rapport, remembering preferences and recognising returning guests
• Communicate allergens, dietary notes, and special occasions accurately and discreetly
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism, warmth, and timely escalation when needed

Reservation & Service Coordination

• Manage all reservations and table allocations, ensuring smooth service flow
• Conduct pre-arrival calls to confirm bookings, understand guest preferences, and identify special occasions or celebration details
• Proactively gather and record guest information — including celebrations, dining preferences, accessibility needs, or notable requests — to personalise the guest experience
• Maintain, update, and prepare menus daily in coordination with the Chef team
• Ensure all departments receive accurate Running Orders, including allergies (Red), requests (Yellow), and guest notes (Green)
• Lead daily briefings, sharing key guest information to support the FOH and kitchen teams
• Support the wider FOH team during service with a proactive, hands‑on approach

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the restaurant is fully set and presentable for every service period
• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and attention to detail at the host stand and entrance areas
• Monitor guest turnaround times to support service pacing and section management
• Follow health & safety procedures and elevate any concerns promptly
• Champion The Wild Rabbit’s service standards and sustainability commitments

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate closely with Chef de Rang, Bar, Sommelier, and Hotel teams
• Communicate clearly and respectfully across all departments
• Share knowledge about our food, drink, provenance, and The Bamford Collection brands
• Lead by example with grooming, professionalism, and guest‑centred behaviour

Skills & Expterise

• Previous experience in a host, reservations, or front-of-house role (fine dining preferred)
• Immaculate presentation and a confident, welcoming manner
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a natural ability to build rapport
• Tech proficiency with reservation platforms (ResDiary or similar)
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to delivering exceptional hospitality

Perks And Benefits

• Discounts: Enjoy a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day one
• Local gym discounts
• Padel Discount
• Electric Car Scheme (subject to criteria)
• Volunteering Days: One paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of your choice
• Private Medical: Subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa
• Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9 percent of your salary into your pension each month with a 4.5 percent contribution from us
• Life Assurance: Cover equivalent to one year of your annual salary
• Mental Health Support: 24 hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• The on target earning potential for this role is £36,160 per annum based on a 40-hour contract - comprising a base salary of £30,160, plus a qualified estimate of £6,000 in gratuities and service charge.

About Gratuities And Service Charge

Gratuities are paid on a pro-rata basis. It is estimated that in 2026, full‑time employees can expect to receive in the region of £6,000 in addition to their annual salary.

THE BAMFORD COLLECTION IS A GROUP OF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHING AND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET

Bamford Collection is a group of consciously minded lifestyle brands committed to nourishing and nurturing people and planet.