Head Waiter (Sommelier and Chef Jobs: Restaurants)

Full Time

  Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

  Bowness-on-Windermere LA23, England

Full job description

Company Description

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid-back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.

Job Description

The main responsibility of our Waiters is to ensure that our service runs smoothly and efficiently, providing exceptional guest experience. A Head Waiter will assist in preparing for and serving food, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards and ensuring guest satisfaction throughout.

The Head Waiter plays a crucial role in ensuring the guests have a pleasant and memorable experience, and therefore a keen eye for detail and enjoyment of working in a team-oriented environment is essential.

Head Waiter

  • Runs a section of the restaurant to a high standard throughout the guest’s full dining experience
  • Shows flexibility and adaptability in working both breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts
  • Sets up the restaurant before dinner service according to the table plan
  • Opens tables on EPOS ahead of dinner service, recording any allergies or requests
  • Understands the menu and any amendments that need to be made for allergens
  • Communicates guest issues with the management team and the kitchen
  • Processes food orders and payments on EPOS
  • Takes drinks orders and process them on EPOS
  • Processes vouchers on EPOS
  • Charges bills to guest’s rooms accurately
  • Prepares tea and coffee to guest’s requirement
  • Presents and explains the the layout of the wine list to guests
  • Seats guests confidently in the restaurant and explains how the menu works
  • Serves dishes to the guests confidently using the correct explanation from the kitchen
  • Calls away dishes to the kitchen in an efficient manner
  • Clears tables with elegance
  • Reads guests confidently and understands the table side manner they may be expecting
  • Understands safety procedures and follows them to ensure guests and colleagues are kept safe
  • Represents the restaurant in a positive manner all while on hotel grounds
  • Communicates clearly with guests to manage their expectations and never mislead
  • Takes pride in and look after the uniform provided by SOURCE
  • Sets a good example for the Chef de Rangs and Commis Waiters
  • Has a good understanding of food hygiene and the role it plays in every part of the restaurant
  • Supports the management team in the smooth running of the restaurant
  • Contributes to guest profiles for returning guests
  • Handles end of night banking and shift handovers

Qualifications

  • Food hygiene qualification is essential (or at least willingness to undertake in a timely manner).
  • Previous experience in waiting on roles, ideally within a hotel dining service.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills to support restaurant operations effectively.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays as per the demands of the establishment.
  • Can act as a First Aid Aider or Fire Warden in the event of an accident or emergency.

Additional Information

Salary: from £31,005

Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being from £460 per month.

Hours: 45 per week or part-time available

  • Canteen
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Employee discount
  • Free or subsidised travel
  • Gym membership
  • On-site parking
  • Relocation assistance may be available

Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel

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