Front-of-house jobs in restaurants and pubs: A complete guide

If you’ve ever been greeted with a warm “hiya!” as you walk into a pub or restaurant, or had someone make sure your night out runs smoothly from start to finish, you’ve already experienced the magic of front-of-house jobs.

These roles are the heartbeat of hospitality. They’re fast-paced, people-focused, and full of personality, perfect for anyone who loves working with others and thrives in a lively environment.

If you are just starting out, looking for flexible work, or thinking about a long-term hospitality career, front of house could be your perfect fit.

Let’s break it down.

What are front-of-house jobs?

Front-of-house jobs are all about the guest experience. From the moment someone walks through the door to the moment they leave, you’re the friendly face making sure everything feels welcoming, relaxed, and enjoyable.

Typical front of house roles include:

• Waiter/Waitress
• Bartender
• Shift Supervisor 
• Team member in pubs, bars, or restaurants

In simple terms: if guests can see you, you’re front of house.

And yes, you’ll definitely need a smile that can handle busy Friday nights.

What does a front-of-house team member do?

Every day is different, but your main goal is always the same: to make guests feel looked after.

You might be:

• Greeting customers as they arrive
• Taking orders and serving food and drinks
• Recommending dishes or drinks (your chance to become a menu expert)
• Handling payments 
• Keeping the vibe upbeat and welcoming
• Working closely with the kitchen and bar teams to keep service running smoothly

It’s fast-paced, social, and honestly…never boring.

What skills do you need for front-of-house jobs?

Good news: you don’t need to be an expert from day one.

What really matters is your attitude. The rest can be taught.

Key skills include:

• Being friendly and approachable
• Good communication (lots of it!)
• Staying calm under pressure
• Teamwork (you’ll rely on each other a lot)
• A positive, can-do attitude

If you enjoy working with people and don’t mind being on your feet, you’re already halfway there.

Are front-of-house jobs good for students?

Absolutely, they’re one of the most popular choices for students.

Why?

• Flexible shifts that fit around studies
• Evening and weekend work availability
• Great social environment
• Extra income while studying
• Transferable skills for future careers

Plus, it’s a brilliant way to build confidence and people skills that you’ll use in pretty much any job later on.

Do you need experience for front-of-house roles?

Not at all.

Most front-of-house jobs are entry-level, which means training is usually provided on the job.

What we are really looking for is:

• Passion - We are passionate about our business, working together and supporting each other as One Team.
• Respect - We respect every guest and each other by being professional and considerate.
• Innovation - We innovate by looking outside our world for inspiration and always striving for better. 
• Drive - We are driven to smash targets and exceed the expectations of our guests and teams.
• Engagement - We engage with our guests & each other to provide a great experience for all.

So even if you’ve never worked in hospitality before, you can still get started.

Front-of-house jobs at M&B 

Front-of-house jobs are fast, fun, and full of personality. If you enjoy meeting new people, working in a team, and being part of a buzzing environment, this could be exactly the kind of role you’re looking for.

And the best part? You don’t need loads of experience to get started, just the right attitude and energy.

Explore opportunities and see where a hospitality career could take you. Your future team is already saving you a spot on the floor. 

• Bar Staff Jobs
• Waiting Staff Jobs
• Shift Supervisor Jobs