Location
London

Hours
Flexible hours including breakfast, evenings, weekends and key hospitality moments

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
Opening in late 2026, Delano London brings the spirit and celebrated heritage of the iconic Delano Miami Beach to London, reimagined for a new generation. Set overlooking Kensington Gardens, the hotel will feature 67 rooms and suites, Lana Lusa, the legendary Rose Bar and Rose Lounge, alongside The Source wellness offering. Delano is a place where personality, creativity and genuine connection come together. We value curiosity, individuality and a sense of fun, creating an environment where our people can be themselves while delivering thoughtful, intuitive and genuinely warm hospitality.

Delano London is part of Ennismore, a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-built brands rooted in creativity, culture and community, and a joint venture with Accor. Joining Delano London means being part of something from the very beginning. It is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an iconic brand, work alongside an ambitious and creative team and play a part in creating a hotel that feels distinctly Delano from day one.

We are seeking an exceptional Head Waiter/tress to join the pre-opening team of Delano London. Based primarily in Lana Lusa, our all-day restaurant, you'll be a senior presence on the floor, leading by example and helping create a style of service that is polished, warm, intuitive and full of personality.

What you'll do:
- Lead a section during service and act as a role model for waiters and runners, setting the standard for pace, detail and genuine hospitality.
- Welcome and engage guests confidently, reading the table and adapting your style so service feels personal rather than scripted.
- Take ownership of the full dining journey, from menu guidance and order taking through to pacing, check-backs, payment and farewell.
- Develop strong knowledge of food, wine and beverages and use it naturally to make recommendations and drive average spend.
- Support wine service and confidently introduce guests to the wine list and cellar selection in partnership with the beverage team.
- Coordinate closely with Culinary, bar and runners to ensure accurate orders, smooth pacing and excellent table maintenance.
- Lead pre-service mise en place, section checks and briefings and ensure standards remain consistent throughout the shift.
- Coach junior team members in the moment and support training, onboarding and product knowledge during the pre-opening period and beyond.
- Recognise VIPs, regulars, celebrations, allergies and special requests and communicate relevant details clearly to the wider team.
- Handle initial guest concerns confidently and involve management when appropriate.
- Support Private Dining, Room Service or other Food & Beverage areas when operationally required.
- Follow all food safety, Health & Safety, cash handling and company procedures.

Experience
Strong senior waiter/tress or head waiter/tress experience in a premium restaurant, luxury hotel or high-quality lifestyle operation.

About you
You are a natural host with excellent communication skills and confident, polished floor presence.
You have strong food and beverage knowledge, including a good understanding of wine and classic service techniques.
You enjoy developing others and are comfortable giving direction without losing warmth or teamwork.
You are organised, attentive and able to manage several tables and priorities without making service feel rushed.
You have commercial instinct and are comfortable recommending and selling in a genuine, guest-led way.
You are flexible to work breakfast, evenings, weekends and key hospitality moments.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but a strong knowledge of food, wine and beverage service and classic service techniques is essential.