Restaurant Host

Job Description:

Restaurant hosts welcome and seat customers, and make sure the waiting service is running smoothly.

Job Category:

Tourism, Hospitality & Entertainment

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What you will do:

Your day-to-day will include tasks such as:

Greet guests and seat them at tables or in waiting areas.
Provide guests with menus.
Assign patrons to tables suitable for their needs and according to rotation so that servers receive an appropriate number of seatings.
Order or requisition supplies and equipment for tables and serving stations.
Hire, train, and supervise food and beverage service staff. Inspect restrooms for cleanliness and availability of supplies and clean restrooms when necessary.
Perform marketing and advertising services.
Operate cash registers to accept payments for food and beverages.
Take and prepare to-go orders. Prepare staff work schedules.

Skills:

You’ll need:

customer service skills
business management skills
knowledge of food production methods
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

leadership skills
the ability to motivate and manage staff
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

There are no set requirements, but you may need:

school leaver qualifications
work experience in a restaurant setting, for example as waiting or kitchen staff
an apprenticeship or internship in hospitality at a hotel or restaurant

You may choose to complete a higher education qualification—for example, a degree in a relevant subject like hospitality management—if you’re looking to work as a maitre d’ or front of house manager.

School Subjects

To become a Restaurant Host in the UK, specific GCSE subjects are not mandatory, but certain subjects can be beneficial in developing the skills and qualities required for this role, such as:

English: Strong language and communication skills are essential for interacting with guests, taking reservations, and providing excellent customer service.
Mathematics: Basic mathematical skills are useful for handling cash transactions, calculating bills, and managing table assignments.
Business Studies: This subject can provide insights into customer service principles, hospitality management, and the business side of the restaurant industry.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Knowledge of ICT can be beneficial for using reservation software and managing customer databases.
Foreign Languages: Knowledge of foreign languages can be advantageous in establishments that cater to international guests.
Citizenship or Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) Education: These subjects can provide knowledge about customer interaction, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills.

Working Hours and Environment:

As a host, you might work in a variety of different restaurants, often in shift work. As a maitre d’, you’ll represent the front of house at a fine dining restaurant or in the restaurant of a high-end hotel.

You’ll have regular face-to-face conversations with staff and customers, and need to maintain a positive and professional persona.

You’ll be standing and/or moving around the restaurant for most of your shift.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could become a restaurant manager. You could also apply for a role as a maitre’d, who works in a fine dining environment.