Quick Overview
Job Description
The Savoy is one of the world's most iconic hotels. We are the original British luxury hotel, opened in 1889, and have a reputation for outstanding service excellence. We blend our rich history with innovation, and have played host to royalty, world leaders, and legends of the stage and screen. Today, we pride ourselves on creating special memories for our guests by delivering the very best in five-star luxury hospitality.
Our award-winning, colleague-centric culture truly differentiates us in the luxury hospitality marketplace. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, along with outstanding career development opportunities globally within Fairmont.
Top Ten (Big Organisations) – Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025
HR in Hospitality Awards 2025:
🏆 Excellence in Employee Experience
🏆 HR Team of the Year
🏆 HR Leader of the Year – awarded to our Director of People & Culture, Sally Webster
Institute of Hospitality Awards 2025
🏆 Talent Development Team of the Year
Job title: Lounge Server
Department: F&B
Inspired & supported by: In-Room Dining Manager
Your purpose will be:
You are an ambassador for exceptional service within The Reading Room, our elegant lounge located in The Savoy’s iconic Front Hall. You will play an important role in creating a warm, refined and welcoming experience, delivering the exceptional food and beverage service that is a hallmark of The Savoy.
Your warm, personal attention, intuitive approach to service and attention to detail will ensure every guest feels recognised, valued and cared for, creating memorable experiences from the moment they arrive.
As part of our flexible F&B operation, you will also support our In-Room Dining team when required, acting as an In-Room Dining Server and delivering the same exceptional 5-star service experience to guests in the comfort and privacy of their rooms and suites.
You will be accountable for:
Delivering a memorable, warm and professional 5-star service experience within The Reading Room.
Welcoming guests to The Reading Room and creating a relaxed yet refined lounge experience through attentive and personalised service.
Providing knowledgeable and engaging food and beverage service throughout the guest experience.
Supporting the In-Room Dining operation when required, including preparing and delivering guest orders to rooms and suites in accordance with The Savoy’s service standards.
Advising guests by enthusiastically sharing your knowledge of our menus, beverages, promotions and wider F&B offering.
Anticipating guest needs and responding intuitively to individual preferences and requests.
Delivering on all standards, policies and procedures to create memorable luxury guest experiences.
Maintaining the highest standards of presentation, discretion and professionalism, both within The Reading Room and when serving guests in their rooms and suites.
Your key responsibilities & contribution will be:
Delivering an extraordinary service experience to the highest industry standards, with a distinctive personal touch, as one team.
Welcoming and engaging with guests in The Reading Room, building genuine rapport while recognising each guest’s preferred level of interaction.
Providing attentive table service, including presenting menus, taking accurate orders, serving food and beverages and ensuring tables are maintained to the highest standards throughout the guest experience.
Confidently explaining menu items, ingredients and beverage options and assisting guests with their choices in an informative and enthusiastic way.
Anticipating guest requirements and ensuring requests are followed through promptly and professionally.
Preparing The Reading Room for service and maintaining its presentation, cleanliness and ambience throughout the day.
Boosting revenue through thoughtful upselling, recommendations and other creative initiatives while maintaining a natural and guest-focused approach.
Sharing knowledge of offers, promotions, preparation methods, general hotel knowledge and Savoy stories.
Supporting the In-Room Dining team according to operational requirements and business needs, carrying out the responsibilities of an In-Room Dining Server when assigned.
Preparing, checking and delivering food and beverage orders to guest rooms and suites in a professional and timely manner.
Setting up and presenting In-Room Dining orders according to The Savoy’s luxury service standards and individual guest preferences.
Liaising effectively with culinary, In-Room Dining and wider F&B colleagues to ensure seamless and timely service.
Following all food safety, hygiene, sanitation and health & safety policies when handling food and beverages.
What you will need to do in this role:
Essential:
1–2 years of serving or hosting experience within a luxury hospitality environment.
A genuine passion for 5-star hospitality and an understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional and personalised service.
Previous experience providing attentive food and beverage service in a restaurant, lounge, bar or similar guest-facing environment.
A warm and engaging personality with a natural ability to make guests feel welcome and valued.
Empathy and a talent for building rapport and reading each guest’s desired level of interaction.
Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining an elegant and polished service environment.
Quick thinking, resourcefulness and the ability to solve problems in the moment.
Ability to remain calm, composed and courteous at all times.
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Flexibility to support In-Room Dining and other F&B operations when required.
Willingness to work rotating shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
Good spoken and written English.
Right to work in the UK.
Desirable:
Previous luxury hotel lounge or In-Room Dining experience.
Basic knowledge of a POS system.
Industry-related certifications, such as WSET.
What’s in it for you?
Competitive salary and additional service charge
Life insurance and pension
31 days of holiday (including public holidays)
Exclusive discounts: Savoy, Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor hotels (friends & family rates included) - 50% off at American & Beaufort Bars, Afternoon Tea, spa, florist, and select Gordon Ramsay restaurants - 20% off at other Gordon Ramsay restaurants and Restaurant 1890
Free stay for two at The Savoy after successful probation
Colleague restaurant, gym, interfaith prayer room and wellness room
Laundry services
Cashback for wellbeing/healthcare expenses; HSF & Perkbox
Employee assistance program
Virgin Active and The Gym Group membership discounts
Cycle-to-work scheme
Season ticket loan for commuting
Annual optician reimbursements of £100
Local discounts for F&B and retail