Who are we and what do we do ?
At The Muddy Duck, we’re a proudly independent pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Hethe, just north of Bicester. Our home sits beside the village church, surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, and we’ve always believed a great local should feel both familiar and a little magical. Under one roof, you’ll find a proper pub where you can settle in with a pint and a meal, and a relaxed restaurant serving honest, great-tasting food. We’ve held onto the charm and character of a true village pub while creating spaces that feel special, welcoming, and full of personality.
Our team is local, passionate, and dedicated to making every visit feel like coming home, whether you’re here for a quiet drink, a long lunch/dinner, or a celebration!
About the Role
We are seeking a polished and personable Restaurant Host/Hostess to be the first point of contact for our guests, setting the tone for a refined yet welcoming dining experience. In a concept that blends elevated British hospitality with Japanese-influenced precision, this role is central to managing reservations, flow of service, and the overall guest journey.
You will bring warmth, organisation, and attention to detail, ensuring every guest feels recognised, valued, and seamlessly looked after from arrival to departure.
Location: Bicester surroundings
Key Responsibilities :
Guest Experience & First Impressions
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Deliver a warm, confident, and professional welcome to all guests
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Manage arrivals, departures, and walk-ins with poise and efficiency
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Create a strong first and last impression, reflecting the venue’s premium positioning
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Anticipate guest needs and communicate effectively with the floor team
Reservations & Guest Management
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Manage reservations using the booking system, ensuring accuracy and optimisation of covers
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Handle guest enquiries via phone, email, and online platforms with professionalism and speed
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Maintain detailed guest notes and preferences to support personalised service
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Control table allocation and pacing in line with service flow
Service Flow & Coordination
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Work closely with the management and floor team to ensure smooth service transitions
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Monitor table status and dining times to maximise efficiency without compromising experience
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Support the team during busy periods, maintaining composure and organisation
Standards & Presentation
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Ensure the reception and entrance area are always immaculate and welcoming
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Maintain a polished personal presentation in line with brand standards
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Uphold consistency in communication, tone, and guest interaction
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, guest-focused leader who brings both polish and commercial sharpness to a premium, high-energy environment. The ideal candidate will offer:
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Experience in a host or reservations role within a premium restaurant or hospitality environment
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A natural host who combines warmth, confidence, and polished communication
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Someone who understands the importance of first impressions, guest flow, and smooth front-of-house coordination
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Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting
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Calm and composed under pressure, maintaining professionalism during busy service periods
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Well-presented with a professional, refined manner
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A supportive team player who contributes to both guest experience and operational efficiency
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Passion for hospitality and delivering memorable, guest-focused experiences
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Familiarity with reservation systems such as OpenTable or SevenRooms (advantageous)
Why Join us?
Working with us means joining a fast-growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. You’ll be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work.
We offer:
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25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
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3% pension
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Life assurance
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Thorough training and ongoing development
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A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
