Senior Receptionist

NORA; City Of London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering Turkish restaurant in Canary Wharf is looking for a Senior Receptionist to manage guest flow and ensure exceptional guest experiences. The ideal candidate enjoys making first impressions, has experience in busy restaurants, and is skilled in managing bookings and team support. This full-time role offers £15 to £17 hourly, thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior receptionist or host in a quality-focused restaurant.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage guest flow and ensure every guest is welcomed.
• Oversee reservations and communicate table status.
• Support team and train new hosts.

Skills

Guest welcomed with warmth

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Multitasking abilities

Tools

Reservation systems

Job description

Nora is not your typical Turkish restaurant. Brought to life by brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz, Nora is a refreshing and free-spirited take on Turkish cuisine, built on the vibrancy of Anatolian small plates, the best of British produce, and a no-rules, no-dogma approach to creativity. This is a restaurant where hospitality leads the way, where every dish tells a story of heritage and innovation, and where the energy of Canary Wharf meets the warmth of Istanbul’s kitchens.

About the Role

As Senior Receptionist, you are the first impression of Nora — the face and voice that set the tone for every guest’s experience. You’ll own the door and the book, orchestrating reservations, walk-ins, and guest flow with precision and personality. You’ll create a warm welcome, manage the buzz of arrivals, and make every guest feel like they’re the only one in the room. You’ll work closely with the Restaurant Manager and floor team to ensure the energy of service is seamless from the first hello to the final goodbye.

This is a role for someone who loves people, thrives under pressure, and takes pride in making every guest feel special.

About You

• You’re a natural host — warm, charming, and effortlessly professional.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, guest-driven environment.
• You’re confident with bookings systems and love the details.
• You handle pressure with grace and keep your cool when things get busy.
• You have exceptional communication skills and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• You’re proactive, solution-focused, and always thinking one step ahead.

Your Responsibilities

Guest Experience:

• Be the first point of contact — welcoming every guest with warmth and style.
• Manage arrivals, seating, and guest flow throughout the shift.
• Anticipate guest needs and special requests, ensuring they feel cared for.
• Handle complaints or challenges with empathy, speed, and discretion.

Reservations & Coordination:

• Oversee all bookings, waitlists, and confirmations using our reservation system.
• Maximise covers while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable guest journey.
• Communicate table status and flow with the floor, bar, and kitchen teams.
• Support the Restaurant Manager with planning and managing service logistics.

Team Support:

• Lead and support the host team, setting the tone for professional, welcoming service.
• Share guest insights and feedback with the management team.
• Help train new hosts and build a culture of hospitality and excellence.
• Be a calm, positive presence at the front desk — especially during peak times.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a senior receptionist or host in a busy, quality-focused restaurant.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
• Polished communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tech-savvy and confident with reservation and booking platforms.
• A love for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Professional, reliable, and a natural team player.

This is for you if....

• You love being the person who makes the first impression count.
• You believe hospitality starts at the door and never stops.
• You want to be part of a team building something exciting from the ground up.
• And you’re ready to be the heartbeat of the guest experience at Nora.

Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full-time
Salary: £15 – £17 hourly