Waiter

Ottolenghi Bicester; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Staff discount

Health plan (HSF) and GP helpline

Refer a Friend £500

Development opportunities

Birthday treat

Job summary

Ottolenghi is seeking a friendly front-of-house team member to welcome guests, take orders, and ensure a warm dining experience at our Bicester Village location. You’ll work with kitchen and bar teams to deliver accurate service and maintain a calm dining room during peak hours.

The role suits someone with waiter experience, a love for food and guest care, and strong communication. You’ll join a collaborative, creativity‑driven team that values hospitality and guest delight.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a waiter or in front-of-house hospitality.
• A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience.
• A warm, confident communicator who thrives in a team.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and seat guests, ensuring they feel looked after from arrival.
• Take food and drink orders accurately and with knowledge of the menu.
• Serve food and beverages with care, attention to detail, and good timing.
• Build rapport with guests and respond to their needs proactively.
• Maintain the dining room to a high standard throughout service.
• Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
• Handle guest queries and feedback with professionalism and warmth.
• Support the wider front-of-house team and pitch in wherever needed.

Skills

Front-of-house

Guest service

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

IT systems

Tools

POS systems

Job description

At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Ottolenghi Bicester Village brings our signature flavours and warm hospitality to one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations. It's a unique and exciting location that welcomes guests from across the country and beyond

What you’ll do

• Welcome and seat guests, ensuring they feel looked after from the moment they arrive.
• Take food and drink orders accurately and with genuine knowledge of the menu.
• Serve food and beverages with care, attention to detail, and great timing.
• Build rapport with guests and respond to their needs proactively.
• Maintain the dining room to a high standard throughout service.
• Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
• Handle guest queries and feedback with professionalism and warmth.
• Support the wider front-of-house team and pitch in wherever needed.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience as a waiter or in front-of-house hospitality.
• A genuine passion for food, drink, and creating great guest experiences.
• A warm, confident communicator who thrives in a team environment.

Key skills

• Excellent knowledge of food and drink service.
• Attentive, calm, and professional under pressure.
• A genuine love of hospitality and making guests feel welcome.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
• Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
• A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued