About Company
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Maida Vale, The Salt House Gastropub is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, exquisite modern British cuisine, and a meticulously curated selection of craft beers, fine wines, and artisanal spirits. As part of the esteemed Young’s Brewery group, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional dining experience, combining the warmth of a traditional pub with the sophistication of a contemporary restaurant. Our commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and impeccable service has made us a beloved fixture in the community, a place where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy memorable evenings. We foster a supportive and dynamic team environment, believing that our staff are at the core of our success. Join us and become part of a legacy of excellence in hospitality, where every shift is an opportunity to delight guests and grow your career.
Job Description
Are you a charismatic and customer-focused individual with a genuine passion for hospitality? The Salt House Gastropub is actively seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Waiter to join our vibrant team, specifically for evening shifts. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests during our busiest and most atmospheric times. As an Evening Waiter, you will be the face of our gastropub, guiding customers through our diverse menu, recommending dishes and drinks, and ensuring every need is met with promptness, professionalism, and a friendly smile. Your evenings will involve preparing the dining area for service, taking orders accurately and efficiently, serving food and beverages with grace and precision, and maintaining a clean and inviting environment that reflects our high standards. You’ll work closely and collaboratively with our kitchen and bar teams, communicating effectively to ensure a seamless service flow from order to delivery. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced yet rewarding environment, possesses excellent attention to detail, and genuinely enjoys interacting with people, making their visit special. If you’re eager to hone your service skills, deepen your knowledge of fine food and drink, and contribute your talents to a fantastic, supportive team, The Salt House offers a rewarding path for your career in hospitality. This role is crucial to maintaining our reputation for outstanding service and ensuring every guest leaves with a desire to return, having experienced the best of Maida Vale’s dining scene.
Key Responsibilities
- Warmly greet and seat guests upon arrival, presenting menus and daily specials with enthusiasm.
- Take food and beverage orders accurately, utilising our POS system, and relaying them promptly to the kitchen and bar.
- Serve food and beverages efficiently and gracefully, ensuring correct presentation, portioning, and temperature.
- Proactively check on guests throughout their meal, anticipating needs and responding to requests promptly and courteously.
- Offer informed recommendations for food and drink pairings, demonstrating a good knowledge of our menu, ingredients, and specials.
- Process payments accurately and handle cash and card transactions responsibly and securely.
- Clear tables, reset dining areas, and assist with general restaurant cleanliness and organisation before, during, and after service.
- Collaborate effectively with kitchen staff, bar team, and other front-of-house colleagues to ensure a smooth operation.
- Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations and company policies.
- Assist in opening and closing duties for evening service, including setting up and breaking down dining areas.
- Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally and empathetically, escalating issues to management when necessary to ensure guest satisfaction.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a customer service role, preferably in a restaurant or pub setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a polite and engaging demeanour.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive, guest-centric approach to service.
- Basic knowledge of food and beverage service standards and etiquette.
- Reliability and punctuality, particularly for evening shifts.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift moderate weights comfortably.
- Eligibility to work legally in the UK.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Waiter/Waitress in a gastropub or fine dining establishment.
- An understanding of wine, spirits, and craft beer, with a willingness to learn more.
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 1 or 2).
- Experience with electronic Point of Sale (POS) systems such as Zonal or similar.
- Familiarity with the Maida Vale area and local clientele.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage supplemented by attractive tips and a share of service charge.
- Opportunity to join a respected and growing company within the Young's Brewery group.
- Comprehensive training and continuous development programs to enhance your skills.
- Delicious staff meals provided during shifts.
- Generous employee discounts across all Young's pubs and hotels nationwide.
- 28 days holiday per year (pro-rata for part-time roles).
- A supportive, friendly, and vibrant team environment.
- Excellent career progression opportunities within the extensive Young's group.
How to Apply
If you are eager to contribute your talents to a thriving gastropub and build your career in hospitality, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below, which will direct you to the official Young’s careers portal. Once on the site, search for ‘Waiter’ roles in the Maida Vale or broader London area to find relevant opportunities and submit your application online. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to The Salt House team.