Waiter/ Waitress

Also known as: Table Server, Table tender, Food Service Assistant, Floor Tender, Waitress

As a waiter/waitress, you play a key role in welcoming guests and creating the optimal dining experience during an event. It is your responsibility to ensure that guests have the correct food and there is no delay to the service. 

Your day-to-day duties may involve:
• meeting and greeting guests
• advising guests about menu items
• taking guests orders
• clearing and wiping down tables
• collecting payment at the end of the meal

During an event the venue might be a marquee, a banqueting hall or outdoors in the grounds of a stately home. You will help prepare the restaurant for service and clear away when the guests have left. You may be asked to serve at banquets, cocktail parties, special dinners, weddings, and other functions using silver service. On these occasions there may be a buffet from which customers help themselves or are served a selection of salads, sweets, cheeses or other cold or hot dishes.

The waiter/waitress will advise guests about the food and drink available and serve their meals. You will also clear plates and other unwanted items from the table, replenish the drinks and wine glasses, and maintain the cleanliness of the venue. In most businesses you will also be responsible for greeting guests, showing them to their table, taking orders and collecting their payment at the end of the meal.