Restaurant Host/Hostess

Martino's Restaurant is looking for a warm, professional, organised and genuinely people-focused Receptionist to join our front-of-house team.

As Receptionist, you will be one of the first and last people our guests interact with, playing an essential role in creating the warm and memorable hospitality Martino's is known for.

Working closely with the Head Receptionist and wider management team, you will help manage reservations, welcome and seat guests, respond to enquiries and ensure the reception runs smoothly throughout service.

We are looking for someone who is naturally welcoming, attentive and confident, with excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for looking after people.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Warm, friendly and professional with a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Previous reception, hosting or front-of-house experience within a busy restaurant or hospitality environment preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised, adaptable and able to multitask during busy services.
• Confident dealing with guests both in person and over the phone.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Calm and solution-focused when dealing with changes or guest requests.
• Comfortable working as part of a close-knit front-of-house team.
• Experience with SevenRooms or another restaurant reservation system would be an advantage.
• Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and building guest loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Reception

• Provide every guest with a warm, genuine and professional welcome on arrival.
• Manage arrivals and departures efficiently while maintaining a friendly and personal approach.
• Assist with seating guests and coordinating table availability with the floor team.
• Build genuine rapport with guests and help create lasting relationships with Martino's regulars.
• Recognise returning guests and use guest notes and profiles to help personalise their experience.
• Handle special requests professionally and communicate them clearly to the relevant team members.
• Maintain a calm, organised and welcoming reception area throughout service.
• Assist guests with coats, belongings and other requirements when necessary.
• Ensure every guest receives a warm farewell at the end of their visit.

Reservations & Communication

• Manage reservations accurately using the SevenRooms reservations system.
• Answer telephone calls professionally and respond to reservation enquiries.
• Monitor and respond promptly to enquiries received via email and WhatsApp.
• Record guest preferences, dietary requirements, special occasions and other important information accurately.
• Support the management of the reservations diary to help maximise covers while maintaining a smooth guest experience.
• Communicate cancellations, changes, late arrivals and special requests clearly to the reception and floor teams.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date guest profiles and reservation notes.

Teamwork & Restaurant Operations

• Work closely with the Head Receptionist, managers, floor, bar and kitchen teams to ensure smooth communication throughout service.
• Attend pre-service briefings and ensure you are aware of VIPs, regular guests, special occasions and important reservation notes.
• Support the Head Receptionist with the organisation of the reception desk and reservation diary.
• Help maintain Martino's high standards of presentation and professionalism.
• Support colleagues during busy periods and contribute positively to the wider team.
• Follow restaurant procedures, standards and policies at all times.

The duties outlined above are not exhaustive. From time to time, you may be required to undertake additional duties as necessary to meet the needs of the business.

Cash Incentives & Benefits

· Loyalty Bonus – £300 cash bonus for every 6 months of completed service, paid in your next pay cheque (hourly paid employees only).

· £150 dining voucher after 6 months of continuous service (redeemable Monday & Tuesday).

· £10 taxi contribution for team members finishing after the last Tube (Monday–Thursday & Sunday, one ride per day).

· Introduce a Star – £1,000 referral bonus – £500 when your referral passes probation and a further £500 after they complete 6 months.

Join Martino's

We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys looking after people, thrives in a busy restaurant environment and understands how important the smallest details can be to a guest's experience.

If you're warm, organised, confident and ready to be part of the team creating every guest's first and last impression at Martino's, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: £18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Experience:

• Upscale host/ess: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person