Head Host - Royal Albert Hall

Part of Oak View Group (OVG), Rhubarb Hospitality Collection aspires to establish itself as the unequivocal leader in the hospitality industry, elevating the benchmark for premium experiences at iconic venues across the globe.

Managed by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, the iconic Royal Albert Hall operation consists of 3 restaurants, 14 bars, 1 retail outlet, 147 hospitality boxes and events for up to 2000 people.

• Over 18's only please
• Up to £17 per hour

We're looking for a charismatic and organised Head Host to be the face of Verdi Italian Kitchen. This is a newly created role designed to elevate our guest experience from the moment they arrive, while providing crucial operational support to our management team.

You'll be the first point of contact for our guests - setting the tone with a warm, genuine welcome that reflects the quality and personality of our restaurant.

Beyond your front-of-house presence, you'll take ownership of the administrative elements of our reception operation, freeing up managers to focus on service excellence.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on guest interaction, has meticulous attention to detail, and wants to make a real impact in a high-profile restaurant environment.

What You'll Be Doing

Guest Experience:

• Deliver an exceptional first impression with a warm, professional welcome to all guests
• Manage reservations and walk-ins with grace, even during busy pre-show and interval periods
• Build rapport with regular guests and VIPs, making them feel valued and remembered
• Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and any issues with diplomacy and charm
• Coordinate with front-of-house team to ensure seamless table allocation and service flow

Operational Support:

• Print and organize daily reservations, ensuring accuracy and efficient table planning
• Create and maintain optimized table plans for lunch and dinner services
• Print and prepare daily menus, ensuring they're pristine and perfectly presented
• Maintain reservation system (experience with OpenTable, ResDiary or similar preferred)
• Coordinate with kitchen and service teams on dietary requirements and special occasions
• Keep reception area immaculate and welcoming at all times

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with restaurant managers to anticipate busy periods and plan accordingly
• Brief front-of-house team on VIP arrivals, large parties, and special requirements
• Support event coordination when Verdi hosts private functions
• Contribute ideas to improve guest experience and operational efficiency

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Bags of personality and a genuine passion for hospitality
• Previous experience in a front-of-house role within restaurants, hotels, or premium hospitality venues
• Exceptional communication skills and a confident, welcoming presence
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working at pace in a high-volume environment
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and during Royal Albert Hall events
• Professional presentation and demeanor
• Team player who supports colleagues across all departments

What you get

• Meals provided.
• Ongoing training and management development program.
• 40% discount in all our restaurants and venues.
• Brilliant employee recognition programs.
• Cycle Scheme, Childcare voucher scheme and EAP.

OVG is for everyone. Diversity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence.

Wherever you come from, wherever you are going, we’d love to hear from you.

If you need any additional support or adjustments with your application, let us know and we will work with you to ensure you have everything you need.

If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.