Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Head Waiter
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Head Waiter supports the smooth, professional operation of the restaurant by leading the waiting team, coordinating service, welcoming guests and maintaining Mandarin Oriental’s high standards. Requirements typically include previous experience in a high-quality restaurant or luxury hotel, strong knowledge of food and beverages, excellent communication skills and a professional, guest-focused attitude. The successful candidate should be organised, attentive to detail and confident supervising colleagues during busy services. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays is expected. Experience with luxury hospitality, fine dining and relevant food-safety knowledge would be advantageous. Candidates should be legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom and demonstrate genuine interest in delivering warm, personalised service.
Can I work in the UK?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Hotel jobs cannot be sponsored since July 2025; only youth schemes remain.
Official source: GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the UK
Usual for the UK, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Live-in common in rural hotels |
|---|---|
| Meals | Staff meals common |
| Flights | No |
| Service charge | 100% of tips and service charges to staff (by law) |
| Contract | Permanent or seasonal |
| Leave | 28 days |
| Income tax | About 14% in all at GBP 25,000 |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in the UK
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an award-winning luxury hospitality company operating prestigious hotels, resorts and residences in major destinations worldwide. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, is one of the group’s landmark properties, located beside Hyde Park in Knightsbridge and known for elegant accommodation, refined dining, exceptional spa facilities and highly personalised service. The hotel combines traditional British character with Mandarin Oriental’s Asian-inspired approach to hospitality. Its restaurants and bars serve a discerning international clientele, while its teams are expected to provide attentive, thoughtful and discreet service. Employees may benefit from training, career development, staff rates across the group and a multicultural working environment. The company places strong emphasis on colleague wellbeing, inclusion, professional standards and creating memorable experiences for guests.