Restaurant Host, The Wild Rabbit

Daylesfordstays; Kingham; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A fine dining establishment in Kingham is seeking a warm and organised Restaurant Host to manage guest experiences and interactions. Responsibilities include welcoming guests, managing reservations, and ensuring seamless service. Ideal candidates will have previous front-of-house experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality. This position offers a pay range of £34,250 per annum OTE, with additional benefits including discounts and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Discounts on products and dining experiences

One paid volunteering day per year

Subsidised private medical insurance

Pension scheme contributions

Life assurance cover

24-hour mental health support

Qualifications

• Confident and welcoming manner.
• Immaculate presentation and multitasking skills.
• Reliable and committed to exceptional hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, memorable first impression for guests.
• Manage reservations and guest flow.
• Ensure impeccable cleanliness and service standards.

Skills

Previous experience in a host or front-of-house role

Excellent organisational skills

Strong communication skills

Tech proficiency with reservation platforms

Job description

This range is provided by Daylesford Stays. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

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 the Restaurant

The 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 Role

We 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.

Responsibilities

Guest Welcome & Experience

• Create a warm, attentive, and memorable first impression for every guest
• Manage check-ins, seating, and guest flow with confidence and composure
• Build natural rapport, remembering preferences and recognising returning guests
• Communicate allergens, dietary notes, and special occasions accurately and discreetly
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism, warmth, and timely escalation when needed

Reservation & Service Coordination

• Manage all reservations and table allocations, ensuring smooth service flow
• Conduct pre-arrival calls to confirm bookings, understand guest preferences, and identify special occasions or celebration details
• Proactively gather and record guest information — including celebrations, dining preferences, accessibility needs, or notable requests — to personalise the guest experience
• Maintain, update, and prepare menus daily in coordination with the Chef team
• Ensure all departments receive accurate Running Orders, including allergies (Red), requests (Yellow), and guest notes (Green)
• Lead daily briefings, sharing key guest information to support the FOH and kitchen teams
• Support the wider FOH team during service with a proactive, hands‑on approach

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the restaurant is fully set and presentable for every service period
• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and attention to detail at the host stand and entrance areas
• Monitor guest turnaround times to support service pacing and section management
• Follow health & safety procedures and elevate any concerns promptly
• Champion The Wild Rabbit’s service standards and sustainability commitments

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate closely with Chef de Rang, Bar, Sommelier, and Hotel teams
• Communicate clearly and respectfully across all departments
• Share knowledge about our food, drink, provenance, and The Bamford Collection brands
• Lead by example with grooming, professionalism, and guest‑centred 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 an estimated £6,000 in gratuities and service charge.

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.