Head Waiter/Waitress - Angela Hartnett's New Restaurant at the Royal Opera House

Job Details

Job Title: Head Waiter / Head Waitress

Location: Cicoria by Angela Hartnett, Royal Opera House, London
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Pay: £16-£20 per hour (inclusive of service charge, based on experience)

About Us

We’re Company of Cooks , and in collaboration with Angela Hartnett , we’ve created something truly special on the fifth floor of the Royal Opera House : Cicoria - an Italian-inspired restaurant offering seasonal, ingredient-led dishes, an all-day menu crafted by one of the UK’s most respected chefs, and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views over Covent Garden Piazza.

Our mission is to deliver refined hospitality, memorable experiences, and exceptional food in an iconic setting.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Waiter/Head Waitress to lead and inspire our front-of-house team. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-end environment, with a deep love of hospitality and a natural talent for creating seamless guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the floor during service, ensuring exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure
• Support, mentor, and train junior FOH staff, upholding high standards of service and presentation
• Act as the main point of contact for guest feedback, managing any issues with professionalism and discretion
• Have a thorough understanding of our food and drink offerings to confidently make recommendations
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, bar, and management teams to ensure smooth operations
• Uphold a clean, organised, and professional environment in all guest-facing areas
• Assist in service planning and shift briefings as required

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a senior waiter or head waiter in a premium hospitality venue
• A confident and polished presence with excellent leadership and communication skills
• Passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Deep knowledge of food, wine, and service etiquette (Italian cuisine is a plus)
• Calm, solutions-focused, and able to lead a team under pressure
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Eligibility to work in the UK

We Offer

• Competitive pay: £16-£20 per hour (inclusive of service charge, depending on experience)
• Equal opportunity for full-time or part-time positions
• Delicious staff meals on shift
• Uniform provided
• Ongoing training and career development in a growing hospitality group
• The chance to work in one of London’s most iconic venues with a celebrated chef

What's in it for you?

Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Life assurance scheme
• Pension scheme
• Holiday allowance
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• A holiday purchase scheme
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Volunteering days
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers