Waiter

Petersham Nurseries Richmond are looking to recruit experienced waiters to join our team. You will be working in our charming, sophisticated restaurant which is set within one of our greenhouses.

As a Waiter you represent the face of the restaurant and are responsible for providing an amazing dining experience for our customers that is unrivalled by our competitors. You are responsible for providing the highest levels of customer service, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of the menu and ensuring that the service you provide results in increased sales and repeat business.

Customer Service

• Familiarise yourself with the restaurant menu and any specials so you can advise customers of the dishes offered.
• Greet customers with a warm and friendly reception.
• Offer each customer an appropriate choice of seating, escort the customer to their table and assist them with coats, other personal items.
• Present the customer with the menu at the time of seating making them aware of the daily specials and make recommendations. Answer questions about menu items.
• Allow the customer to view the menu and ask them if they are ready to order drinks, always offer still or sparkling water.
• Answer questions about the menu, if the correct information is not at hand find out from the Chef.
• Handle multiple customers effectively.
• Place all food and beverage orders with the kitchen and bar area and ensure timely pick up of items.
• Check with the customers to see if they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.
• Serve drinks and food in a timely way in line with agreed service standards.
• Work closely with the kitchen staff to ensure that dining details are handled correctly.
• Provide the bill promptly at the customer’s request.
• Liaise with the kitchen in the event of any problems with food quality to resolve to the diner’s satisfaction.
• Clear finished items when all the party are ready efficiently but without appearing rushed.
• Ensure that tables are reset immediately following the customers departure.

Sales

• Maximise sales revenue by offering additional products and suggestive selling techniques.
• Check that the diner’s meal was to their satisfaction, offer desserts and tea/coffee.
• Increase the customer base by promoting the events, Petersham Cellar Club.
• Ensure all feedback from diners about the quality of the food is passed on to enable the chefs to continue to strive to provide the best possible food to diners.

Operations

• Ensure the restaurant is set up for service by checking that the cutlery, crookery, linen, and glassware is clean, and the tables are laid to the required standards, includes fresh flowers.
• Ensure that a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness is maintained throughout the Restaurant by following cleaning routines and through ongoing diligence during the shift.
• Keep your workstation sufficiently stocked throughout the day with all items needed for service.
• Always keep the restaurant/workstation clean and tidy. It is particularly important that the restaurant and all equipment are left clean at the end of each shift.
• Ensure all wastage is recorded correctly.

Personal Qualities

• To exceed customer expectations by serving food and drink in a professional, knowledgeable, and helpful manner.
• Aim to achieve customer feedback commendations
• Keep up to date of on-going issues and developments within the Company by reading the Petersham Nurseries Newsletters and other Company information.
• Represent the company’s high standards of personal presentation and behaviour at all times during a shift.
• Adhere to company dress code, attendance and time keeping standards
• Work as part of a team by sharing duties and demonstrating flexibility about hours and days of work.
• Maintain the standards and culture of the team by setting an example to new members of staff and assisting in their training when required.
• Fully understand the restaurants ethos.
• Bring a positive attitude to teamwork, contributing to the smooth running of the restaurant and interacting productively with other departments.

Other

• Flexible working includes regular weekend, bank holiday and occasional evening working.
• Involvement in ad hoc project work/ events.

We look forward to hearing from you.