Head Cocktail Waiter/Waitress

THE ROOF GARDENS

The Roof Gardens is a social club in the sky, 100 feet above the streets of Kensington. Close to an acre of private gardens with views across London to the horizon, The Roof Gardens is a new generation members club. A place of escape, bursting with wildflowers, olive and mulberry trees, grassy lawns and hidden nooks. An Art Deco gem created in 1938, The Roof Gardens has a legendary legacy. People have come together, the curious, creative, riotous, radical and respected alike. Every chapter scatters their seeds in the soil; we are merely the latest gardeners in its ongoing story.

Created for season-by-season, morning-to-moonlight experiences. Al fresco Italian in the Walled Garden, vibrant, healthy twists on club classics in the Sun Pavilion, live performances and cosy cabanas in the Spanish Garden and late-night revelry in our den of decadence, the Biba Bar. Curated talks, debates, supper clubs and intimate celebrations in Esme's private villa. The Roof Gardens’ community is united by open-mindedness, optimism and kindness, not defined by background.

The Role

We are looking for a confident Head Cocktail Waiter/Waitress to join our team. As a member of our front-of-house service team, you will be helping deliver a world class service alongside a highly trained, charismatic team whose collective goal is to deliver service excellence to our members. With your passion for spirits, cocktails and quality wines (and good food!) you will become a familiar and friendly face for our members, and make their experience of our bar spaces positive from start to finish.

You will be proud to uphold the club’s service standards, and help build the reputation of The Roof Gardens (TRG). We seek somebody with solid experience in high-end bars/food and beverage service environments, an impeccable demeanour, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. You will be a confident communicator, exceptional team player and be conscientious in the execution of your duties.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Operations & Service

• Welcome members and guests in a friendly and accommodating manner, making a great first impression.
• Create an exceptional experience for members and guests by exceeding expectations with your professional, knowledgeable and accommodating manner.
• Represent TRG high standards of personal presentation and behaviour at all times during a shift.
• To supervise, train and develop your team ensuring they understand their role including menu knowledge, SOPs, POS and company value etc.
• To learn and retain a comprehensive understanding of all menu items to ensure maximum benefit to the member/guest and the ability to work effectively.
• Take food and drink orders in all areas and process them correctly according to the Roof Gardens ‘order of service’.
• Upselling products as and when appropriate in line with TRG guidelines.
• Process all payments / accounts according to the company guidelines.
• Willingly assist members and guests in other areas e.g. calling taxis, giving directions, making recommendations and generally anticipating their needs.
• Maintain the standards and culture of the team by setting an example to new members of the team and assisting in their training when required.
• Bring a positive attitude to teamwork, contributing to the smooth running of the club and interacting productively with other departments.
• Attend all compulsory training sessions and team meetings including daily briefings.
• Be ‘hands on’ and always present during your shift.
• Work as a team player at all times and be prepared to be flexible in order to ensure the most efficient and profitable working practices.
• Continually improving service by communicating and assisting colleagues to understand and anticipate members' needs.
• Ensure that any comments or complaints are reported to the Bar Manager/Manager on Duty immediately so that a resolution can be offered.
• Work collaboratively to deliver the KPIs of the food and beverage department
• Work with your immediate and the wider F&B team to ensure service excellence is front and centre of everything you do.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming lounge area, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
• Ensure adherence to health & safety, and hygiene regulations are followed to maintain safe working conditions for all the team.
• Ensure full adherence to the licence operating requirements which always require compliance.
• This job description reflects the present requirements of the post and should not be seen as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may develop and change in consultation with line management.

The skills and experience which will help you succeed in this role

• Proven experience working a similar role and environment (private members club , luxury /high end F&B environment)
• You will have a passion for food and quality products with a good knowledge of cocktails spirits and quality wines desirable
• A commitment to providing excellent customer care and intuitive service at all times
• An excellent communicator with a good command of spoken and written English
• A punctual, reliable, and resilient team player who wants to be challenged and developed, and is willing to undertake training
• Enthusiasm and lots of energy coupled with the ability to remain composed under pressure
• A great memory for names and faces with an eye for detail and the ability to look ahead and pre-empt issues or challenges
• You will possess a friendly characterful demeanour and take genuine pleasure in supporting your colleagues
• Familiarity with POS systems beneficial
• Desire to work flexible hours including nights and weekends

Benefits

• Salary above market rate plus tronc
• 30 days (inc BH) holiday which increase by 1 with each complete year of service + 1 extra day to celebrate YOU and another day to volunteer
• Free healthy meal during your shift
• Growth opportunities, both personally and professionally
• Breakout spaces where you can shower, securely leave your things, and relax with colleagues
• Uniform and laundry
• Zen, multi-faith space, and retreat
• Financial platform Wagestream
• Statutory pension contributions
• A safe journey home - £20 Uber Credit if you finish work between 12-5am

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.