One of the reasons so many people love working in hospitality is because of the people they meet. Whether it’s serving a local that has come in for their ‘usual’ or greeting a bunch of newcomers, the guests really do make the job.

Now, if you’re searching for waiter or waitress jobs or are looking to impress at a trial shift, you might be wondering how to serve up the best experience to delight guests. Well, you’ve come to the right place. As a leading restaurant and pub company in the UK, with 15 brands across 1,700 businesses, you could say we know a thing or two about making happy, satisfied guests.

And why wouldn’t you want to dazzle them? In the end, it means they’ve had a great time, you’ve done a smashing job, and you get to pick up some good tips for your hard work. Win-win!

Follow our five tips, and we guarantee you'll leave a lasting impression:

Tip 1: Give them a warm welcome

Oh, the difference a smile makes! We’ve all heard about how smiling can make others happier. But it’s not just about smiling, it’s about attitude too. The waiting team is pretty much responsible for every aspect of a guest’s dining experience. So if you want your service to stand out from the rest, it’s important to make a good first impression. Being attentive and giving your guests all the best pudding recommendations is top-notch, but nothing beats a warm and welcoming greeting to really sweeten their stay! 

Tip 2: Make an effort to talk to everyone at the table

Yes, listening is one of the ultimate skills you need in a waiting staff job. But if you want to truly wow your guests, you’ll want to pay equal attention to everyone. After all, we believe in including everyone.

Let's say you’re serving a family with young children. It's easy to let the adults reel off the order for the whole table. But that's a missed opportunity. Take the chance to chat with your younger guests, and don’t be afraid to throw in a silly joke or get a giggle out of them.

Tip 3: Be observant

Now, this one might not come as a shock because being observant is key in any waiting job. But where you can truly make someone’s day is by bringing them something they need before they realise they even need it. Watch out for when their drinks are looking low, or their condiments are about to run dry. Did you just notice someone yawn at the table? That’s the perfect time to ask if they want coffees and deserts, or perhaps the bill.

It’s all about the little things, you know? Making sure your waiter uniform is on point not only shows you care about your appearance but it also helps guests feel confident that they’re in good hands.

Tip 4: Small gestures of kindness

The trick to being great in a waiting staff job isn't always about going the extra mile. It’s sometimes just going the extra step. Actually, it’s the small gestures that mean the most. Next time you're at work, try introducing yourself by name, take your time with the guests, and think about any other way you can make it more personal.

Tip 5: Be yourself

It doesn’t get more simple than that. Simply be yourself and let your personality shine through.

At M&B, we have our very own M&BeYourself Facebook page, which is a dedicated place for our team members to share who they are and what they stand for. We're committed to making our pubs, bars and restaurants a welcoming place for every guest and employee, no matter who they are or what they believe in.

Check out our waiting jobs and start applying!

So there you have it. Five top tips that will guarantee you dazzle your guests and give them a service they'll never forget. What's next?

It's time to put these into action, and you can do that at any one of our 14 UK brands. That's right, we have a whole mix of unique pubs, bars, and restaurants. So you could find yourself serving our award-winning prime steak at Miller & Carter, working in one of our iconic Browns restaurants or greeting your favourite locals at a Nicholson's pub.

Go straight to our waiting jobs, and you'll find a number of different roles, including waiting staff, food runner, and team member. Check them out to find out which is the right fit for you.