Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Bamford Collection; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury lifestyle brand company in Chipping Norton is seeking a polished and organised Restaurant Host to create a warm welcome for guests in a fine dining environment. The role involves managing reservations, coordinating the service flow, and ensuring a memorable guest experience. Ideal candidates will have experience in hospitality, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

Employee discounts on products and dining

Paid volunteering day annually

Subsidised private medical insurance

Pension scheme contributions

Life assurance cover

24-hour mental health support

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a host or front-of-house role preferred.
• Confident and warm personality.
• Ability to multitask under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage reservations and ensure a smooth guest experience.
• Create a memorable first impression upon guest arrival.
• Coordinate service flow and communicate effectively with teams.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Tech proficiency with reservation platforms

Presentation and welcoming manner

Job description

THE BAMFORD COLLECTION IS A GROUPOF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHINGAND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET.

EARNINGS:£34,250 per annumOTE*
(Paid hourly — OTE available through gratuities/service charge)
HOURS:40 hours per week, any 5 days in 7, including weekends.

ABOUT USThe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESGuest 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 AND REQUIREMENTS

• 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 & BENEFITS

• Discounts: We offer a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and diningexperiences from day 1.
• Volunteering Days: Employees are offered one paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.
• Private Medical: We offer subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
• Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9% of your salary into your pension each month; we contribute up to 4.5%.
• Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover, equivalent of up to a year of your annual salary.
• Mental Health Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24-hour support, seven days a week.

* The on target earning potential for this role is £34,250 per annum based on a 40‑hour contract - comprising a base salary of £28,250, plus a qualified estimate of £6,000 in gratuities and service charge. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.

About gratuities and service charge:
Gratuities are paid on a pro‑rata basis. It is estimated that in 2025, full‑time employees can expect to receive in the region of £6,000 in addition to their annual salary.