Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit - Chipping Norton

Bamford Collection; Charlbury; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A fine dining establishment in Charlbury seeks a proactive Host to ensure a welcoming experience for guests. The role involves managing reservations, assisting dining guests, and supporting the front of house team. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a passion for hospitality. The position offers a salary of £35,100-£37,440 per annum OTE and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Discounts on products, treatments and dining experiences

Paid volunteering day

Subsidised private medical insurance

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Previous experience in fine dining or high-end hospitality.
• Calm and confident presence.
• Attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide a warm and professional welcome to all guests.
• Manage the reservation diary with precision.
• Contact guests ahead of their booking to confirm details.
• Monitor and manage the waitlist.
• Support the front of house team during service.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organisational skills

Ability to work well under pressure

Guest-focused approach

Passion for hospitality

Tools

ResDiary

SevenRooms

OpenTable

Job description

Overview

Each guest journey begins at the door - and the Host plays a central role in shaping that first impression. From warm greetings to thoughtful seating, from diary management to guest communications, the Host helps ensure every service flows smoothly and every guest feels welcomed, cared for and seen. We are looking for a polished and proactive Host to join our front of house team. This role blends guest-facing hospitality with behind-the-scenes operational focus. You will be the first and last point of contact for our dining guests, welcoming them warmly and guiding them through their visit. You will also take ownership of the reservation diary, manage the waitlist, and liaise with reception to ensure a joined-up experience for both restaurant and hotel guests. This is an ideal role for someone who brings calm confidence to a busy room and wants to be part of a fine dining team focused on quality, presence and performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide a warm and professional welcome to all guests on arrival
• Manage the reservation diary with precision, ensuring clear pacing and efficient seating
• Contact guests ahead of their booking to confirm details, note preferences, dietary requirements and special occasions
• Monitor and manage the waitlist and same-day availability to maximise occupancy and reduce lost covers
• Coordinate with the reception team regarding in-house guests staying across our rooms and cottages
• Maintain awareness of the floor plan, service flow and guest status throughout each shift
• Support the front of house team and leadership during service, ensuring smooth transitions between bookings
• Present and maintain an immaculate and welcoming entrance space

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a fine dining or high-end hospitality setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a calm and confident presence
• Experience using booking platforms such as ResDiary, SevenRooms or OpenTable preferred
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a busy diary and multiple priorities
• A guest-focused approach with natural intuition and attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain composed during busy services
• Passion for hospitality and a genuine interest in food, wine and guest experience

Salary and Hours

SALARY: 35,100-37,440 per annum OTE
HOURS: 32 hours per week across 5 days, including evenings and weekends. The on target earning potential for this role is 35,100-37,440 per annum based on a 45-hour contract - comprising a base salary of 31,100, plus a qualified estimate of 4,000-5,000 in gratuities and service charge.

Benefits

• Discounts: A range of discounts on our products, treatments and dining experiences from day one
• 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

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 4,000 in addition to their annual salary.

About The Bamford Collection

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

About The Wild Rabbit

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 modern British cooking with thoughtful, attentive service in a relaxed yet refined setting.