Job Introduction
Lainston House in Winchester, a part of the Exclusive Collection, is a 17th-century country house full of character and charm. With its walled kitchen garden, cookery school, and award-winning fine dining, it is a place where heritage, authenticity, and exceptional hospitality come together.
You will join as Restaurant Manager for The Avenue, working alongside MasterChef: The Professionals winner Tom Hamblet to deliver an exceptional dining experience that celebrates outstanding food, service, and hospitality. This is a rare opportunity to lead the front-of-house operation within one of Hampshire’s most exciting dining destinations, helping to create memorable experiences for every guest while developing and inspiring a talented team.
At Lainston House, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
• Competitive pay, plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the day-to-day operation of The Avenue, ensuring exceptional guest experiences at every service.
• Work closely with Tom Hamblet and the kitchen team to deliver a seamless and memorable dining journey.
• Inspire, coach, and develop the front-of-house team, creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Maintain the highest standards of service, presentation, and attention to detail.
• Manage rotas, labour costs, stock control, and departmental budgets effectively.
• Drive revenue opportunities through knowledgeable food and beverage service.
• Build strong relationships with guests, creating memorable experiences that encourage loyalty and repeat visits.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, licensing, and company standards.
Person Specification
• Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager or senior restaurant leader within a quality hospitality environment.
• Passion for exceptional food, wine, and service.
• Experience within fine dining, premium restaurants, luxury hotels, or destination dining venues.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Commercially aware with experience managing costs and driving performance.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Calm, professional, and confident in a fast-paced service environment.
• WSET qualification desirable but not essential.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression, and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.
Apply today and become part of a restaurant where exceptional hospitality, remarkable food, and a shared passion for excellence come together every day. INDHP