Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

THE [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] IS A GROUP OF CONSCIOUSLY MINDED LIFESTYLE BRANDS COMMITTED TO NOURISHING AND NURTURING PEOPLE AND PLANET.

EARNINGS: £34,250 per annum OTE*(Paid hourly — OTE available through gratuities/service charge) HOURS: 40 hours per week, any 5 days in 7, including weekends.

ABOUT USThe Wild Rabbit in Kingham is a fine dining restaurant and boutique hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds. Recognised in the Top 50 Gastropubs, the Top 50 Boutique Hotels, and awarded 3 AA Rosettes, The Wild Rabbit blends culinary excellence with warm, authentic hospitality.

Working in close connection with Daylesford Farm, our menus showcase the best seasonal, organic produce, crafted with skill and creativity. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Callum Graham, our team combines classical technique with modern inspiration, making The Wild Rabbit one of the most exciting fine dining destinations in the Cotswolds.

ABOUT THE ROLEWe are looking for a warm, polished, and highly organised Restaurant Host to be the first point of contact for our guests. This role sets the tone for the entire dining experience — from the first welcome to the final farewell.

As Restaurant Host, you will be responsible for managing reservations, coordinating the flow of service, and maintaining clear communication between front of house, kitchen, and hotel teams. You will ensure every guest receives a seamless, memorable welcome that reflects the understated elegance and genuine hospitality of The Wild Rabbit.

**YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Guest Welcome & Experience**

• Deliver a warm first impression; manage check-ins, seating, and guest flow.
• Build rapport, recognise returning guests, remember preferences.
• Communicate allergens, dietary needs, and occasions discreetly.
• Resolve concerns professionally and escalate when needed.

Reservation & Service Coordination

• Oversee reservations and table plans for smooth service.
• Make pre‑arrival calls to confirm bookings and gather preferences.
• Record guest info to personalise experiences.
• Prepare menus with the Chef team and issue accurate Running Orders.
• Lead daily briefings and support FOH during service.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain a fully set, presentable restaurant and high cleanliness standards.
• Monitor table turnaround and support service pacing.
• Follow health & safety procedures and uphold service/sustainability standards.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively across FOH, Bar, Sommelier, and Hotel teams.
• Communicate clearly and share knowledge of food, drink, and brand provenance.
• Lead by example in grooming, professionalism, and guest‑focused behaviour.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in a host, reservations, or front-of-house role (fine dining preferred)
• Immaculate presentation and a confident, welcoming manner
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a natural ability to build rapport
• Tech proficiency with reservation platforms (ResDiary or similar)
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to delivering exceptional hospitality

PERKS & BENEFITS

• Discounts: We offer a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day 1.
• Volunteering Days: Employees are offered one paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.
• Private Medical: We offer subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
• Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9% of your salary into your pension each month; we contribute up to 4.5%.
• Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover, equivalent of up to a year of your annual salary.
• Mental Health Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24-hour support, seven days a week.

**The on target earning potential for this role is £34,250 per annum based on a* *40-hour* *contract - comprising a base salary of £28,250, plus a qualified estimate of £6,000 in gratuities and service charge. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.*

About gratuities and service charge: Gratuities are paid on a pro-rata basis. It is estimated that in 2025, full-time employees can expect to receive in the region of £6,000 in addition to their annual salary.