Waiter/Waitress - Kensington, London

Waiter/Waitress - Kensington, London

Job Type: Full Time

About Us

The Roof Gardens were originally created in the Art Deco period and opened in 1933. In the late 60's the building was taken over by fashion powerhouse Biba and was the pulse of Swinging London. 100 ft high above Kensington High Street, set across 3 floors with over an acre of gardens, The Roof Gardens will be a next generation members club that is future-facing, committed to innovation and community, to discovery and to delight. The club will open in Spring/Summer 2024 as a world-leading members’ club affording its community beautiful gardens, bars, restaurants and events spaces alongside a visionary cultural and music programme.

The Role

We are looking for a confident Waiter to join The Roof Gardens as a member of our busy front of house team. With your passion for food and wine, and good understanding of restaurant operations, you will become a familiar and friendly face for our members and make their experience of our restaurant spaces memorable from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities:

• Exceptional Service: Responsible for day-to-day restaurant operations under direction of Restaurant Manager and Section Head Waiter to ensure members are cared for during their dining and drinking experience. Tasks include checking guest allergies, discussing menu specials, taking orders, and making relevant suggestions. Liaising with sommeliers, delivering food and clearing tables, crumb down as needed and processing bills and payments accurately.
• Team Player: Work closely with your team members and pre-empt any difficult situations and flag them to Head Waiter for swift resolution. Attend training workshops and briefings to enhance knowledge of members' preferences.
• Pre and Post Service: Work with team to prepare restaurant before service, ensuring all stock and supplies are ready and handheld devices, POS systems, and PDQ machines are charged and operational. Clear down after service and prepare for next shift. Handle general departmental administration and ensure adherence to health and safety procedures. Maintain knowledge of SOP manual for efficient operations.

Skills & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in luxury market
• Excellent memory for names and faces
• Flexible availability, including nights and weekends
• Punctual, reliable, diplomatic, and calm under pressure
• Strong knowledge of food and wine, with a passion for learning
• Detail-oriented with ability to anticipate challenges
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational skills
• Friendly demeanour, enjoys supporting colleagues
• Energetic, resilient, and characterful

Benefits

• Salary above market rate
• 30 days holiday + 1 extra day ‘celebrate you day’
• Access to benefits platform
• Free meal during your shift
• Uniform and dry cleaning provided
• Access to financial well-being platform Wagestream
• 24/7 access to well-being support
• Growth opportunities, both personally and professionally 
• Breakout spaces where you can shower, securely leave your things, and relax with colleagues
• Pension scheme, including employer contributions
• Team socials to celebrate the wins

We are a community united by attitude, curiosity and optimism, not defined by background. We celebrate individuality and free expression. It doesn't matter where you have come from, it's where you are going. The Roof Gardens is a welcoming place of acceptance where growth is nurtured, experiences are shared, stories are exchanged and ideas are born.

If you’d like to join us on the next chapter of The Roof Gardens, we’d love to hear from you.