Runner in the Restaurant jobs in London

Head Waiter / Head Waitress – Cicoria & Bar Cicoria by Angela Hartnett

Location: Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden, London

Pay: From £18.00 per hour

Expected earnings: £18.00–£20.00 per hour (including tronc/service charge)

Approx. annual earnings: £37,000–£42,000 yearly (based on 40–45 hours per week)

Cicoria & Bar Cicoria by Angela Hartnett is looking for an experienced Head Waiter/Waitress to join our front-of-house team at one of London’s most distinctive dining rooms, inside the Royal Ballet & Opera in Covent Garden.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who loves premium hospitality, polished service and busy, high-quality restaurant environments, but wants a role with more civilised finishing times than many central London restaurants. Most evening services finish by around 11:00pm, allowing you to get home by Tube or train.

At Cicoria, every service has its own rhythm, from elegant pre-theatre dining and post-performance guests to private events and special occasions. You’ll be part of a warm, confident and professional team delivering high-quality hospitality in a unique cultural setting.

The Role

As Head Waiter/Waitress, you will:

• Lead a section during lunch, dinner, pre-theatre and event services
• Deliver warm, polished and confident service without stiffness
• Support the management team in maintaining high service standards
• Coach and support junior waiters, runners and commis waiters
• Build strong knowledge of the menu, wine list and drinks offering
• Manage guest requests and issues calmly and professionally
• Help create a smooth, energetic and well-paced service for every guest
• Contribute to a positive, professional and team-focused floor culture

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience as a Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, Chef de Rang or strong Waiter in a premium restaurant/bar
• Is confident leading a section in a busy, quality-driven venue
• Has excellent attention to detail and pride in service standards
• Brings warmth, personality and genuine care to the guest experience
• Stays calm under pressure and enjoys a fast-paced service
• Works well as part of a team and leads by example
• Has good food and wine knowledge, or a real desire to develop it
• Enjoys working in a venue where pace, detail and guest experience all matter

What We Offer

• Pay from £18.00 per hour
• Expected earnings of £18.00–£20.00 per hour including tronc/service charge
• Approx. £37,000–£42,000 per year based on 40–45 hours per week
• Complimentary hot and cold meals every day in our dedicated staff dining area
• Uniform provided or uniform allowance
• Evening finishes usually around 11:00pm
• Training and development in food, wine and service
• Career progression within a growing hospitality business
• Staff discount
• Company events
• A supportive, professional and passionate team culture
• The opportunity to work with Cicoria by Angela Hartnett in one of London’s most prestigious cultural venues

Why Join Cicoria?

Cicoria brings together Angela Hartnett’s reputation for exceptional food, the energy of Covent Garden, and the atmosphere of the Royal Ballet & Opera. It is a restaurant with personality, pace and purpose, serving guests from London and around the world.

This role would suit an experienced Head Waiter, Senior Waiter, Chef de Rang or ambitious Waiter looking to develop in a premium London restaurant with strong standards, a supportive team and a genuinely unique setting.

If you take pride in brilliant service, enjoy leading a section, and want to be part of one of Covent Garden’s most distinctive hospitality teams, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Cicoria & Bar Cicoria and help create unforgettable experiences at the heart of the Royal Ballet & Opera.

Pay: From £18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person