Location
London

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

Salary
Negotiable

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

We are seeking an exceptional Head Waiter/tress to join the pre-opening team, based primarily in Lana Lusa. You will 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.

Key responsibilities include leading a section during service and acting as a role model for waiters and runners, setting standards for pace, detail and genuine hospitality; welcoming and engaging guests confidently with a personal service style; managing the full dining journey from menu guidance to farewell; developing strong knowledge of food, wine and beverages to make natural recommendations and drive average spend; supporting wine service and collaborating with the beverage team; coordinating with Culinary, bar and runners to ensure smooth service; leading pre-service mise en place, section checks and briefings; coaching junior team members and supporting training during the pre-opening period and beyond; recognising VIPs, regulars, celebrations, allergies and special requests and communicating these to the team; handling initial guest concerns confidently and involving management when needed; supporting Private Dining, Room Service or other Food & Beverage areas as required; and following all food safety, Health & Safety, cash handling and company procedures.

Joining Delano London means being part of something from the very beginning, helping shape the next chapter of an iconic brand alongside an ambitious and creative team, and playing a part in creating a hotel that feels distinctly Delano from day one.

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 a 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 background in hospitality service and knowledge of food and beverage, including wine, is essential.