Contract Type: Fixed Term Seasonal
Start Date: Various between April - end of May
End Date: Various between September - November
Department: The White House Hotel and The Mermaid Tavern
Reports to: Dependent on work location
Key Reports: None
Hours per Week: Average 30 - 56 per week across the season
Key Benefits:
- Flat 20% Income Tax rate over personal allowance, plus low Social Security rate
- Zero VAT
- Competitive board & lodging rates
- Free ferry travel between Herm and Guernsey
- Staff discounts on-island
- Preferential accommodation rates for Friends and Family outside of Peak Season
- Stunning beaches with exceptional sea swimming / kayaking / SUP opportunities
- On the job training to include Level 2 Food Hygiene certification
Vacancies Available
We have a number of vacancies for this role and will be recruiting continuously until all are filled.
Role Summary
We are seeking enthusiastic and professional F&B Assistants to join our team on Herm Island to provide an exceptional service at The White House Hotel and The Mermaid Tavern. This role is perfect for individuals who are passionate about hospitality and thrive in a fast-paced environment while ensuring every guest has an unforgettable dining experience.
Prior experience in a similar position and knowledge of Food Safety regulations are preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet the daily briefings to review specials of day, changes of the menu and bookings reservations.
- Prepare tables by setting up with linen, silverware, and glassware according to the standards.
- Show customers to their seats and present our menu and provide detailed information.
- Inform customers about the daily specials and offer menu recommendations up request.
- Upsell menu items, such as cocktails, wines to boost sales.
- Take accurate food and drinks orders, using the POS ordering software or order slips.
- Communicate efficiently to the Kitchen staff make sure all orders went through accordingly and no allergens have been missed.
- Serve food and drinks orders and check dishes prior for cleanliness and presentation and report to the Supervisor on duty if any problems.
- Arrange table settings, maintain a tidy dining area and collect dirty plates, glassware and silverware to the designated area, either kitchen or bar.
- Restocking the bar whenever is necessary.
- Keeping the bar organised and clean.
- Making and serving drinks accurately following recipes and customer preferences
- Follow all legal requirements related to serving alcohol, including age verification -Challenge 21
- Help and assist with drinks and table linen deliveries.
- Follow all relevant food and safety regulations.
Competencies Required
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment and multitasking skills ideally
- Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evening, weekends, and bank holidays.
- A positive team orientated attitude and problem-solving approach, active listening, and effective communication skills.
- Great stamina, physical strength, and endurance, comfortable lifting and carrying up to 30lbs (e.g. Kegs, drinks stock, food stock)
- Have a high level of personal hygiene & take pride in personal appearance.
Technical Skills Required
- Hands on experience with EPOS cash register and ordering system, PDQ credit/debit card payment system & basic math skills are required.
- Knowledge in the preparation & service of classic cocktails, wine, and other spirits is a plus.
- Knowledge of draught beers, ciders, stouts & real ale dispense systems.
- Basic cellar duties - Knowledge of keg changing, real ale preparation, Co2 & mixed gas use
Qualifications / Experience Required
- Prior experience in a similar position is preferred.
- Knowledge of food safety and allergens is a plus.
General
- The role requires a high level of stamina as most days will require you to be on your feet
- This role requires a high level of fitness and the ability to lift and carry large/heavy items
Working within the Health and Safety at Work (General) (Guernsey) Ordinance, the postholder has a legal duty to take reasonable care for Health and Safety both for themselves and others who may be affected by their actions. They are also required to undertake Health and Safety training commensurate with the level required by the post and to take part in risk assessment procedures and the implementation of agreed recommended work practices within the area.
Undertaking other duties not specifically stated which from time to time are necessary without altering the nature or level of responsibility.
In addition to the required key responsibilities, it is expected that every employee acts in a professional manner at all times, including when off duty, as guests and employees use the same facilities, infrastructure and social areas.
About working on Herm Island
The small paradise island of Herm is just off Guernsey in the Channel Islands, which lie in the English Channel between southern England and northern France.
Herm is a designated tourist island which is reached by a 20-minute ferry journey from Guernsey harbour, and where guests and day visitors enjoy year-round hospitality.
Guest accommodation includes:
- The White House Hotel:
- 40-bedroomed boutique hotel with several family sized and dog friendly rooms.
- Self-catering Holiday Cottages:
- 19 cottages and apartments dotted around the island sleeping between 2 – 7 people.
- Seagull & Mermaid Campsites:
- offering over 130 seasonal pitches rented on an annual basis by Guernsey families, and 23 equipped tents for short-term hire April to September.
- Herm also has a range of dining options and facilities including:
- The Conservatory Restaurant: a 90-cover classic, fine-dining hotel restaurant.
- The Ship Inn: a brasserie style inn seating 70 inside, and 80 in the courtyard and garden.
- The Mermaid Tavern: a popular and busy gastro pub which also hosts live entertainment and events throughout the year with a capacity of 500 people.
- 120-seater marquee for special events in the hotel grounds.
- Harbour Village, Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay Cafés:
- three outdoor seated cafés, one in the busy Harbour Village and the other two at the most scenic and popular beaches in Herm.
- The Herm Shop:
- a busy shop which stocks a host of products from gifts and clothing to beach goods and toys.
Working in Herm
Working and living in Herm is a truly unique and rewarding opportunity. There are approximately 50 permanent staff with year-round roles with up to an additional 100 seasonal staff.
The hospitality teams are supported by several back-office departments including finance, reservations, administration, marketing, and recruitment. The island properties, infrastructure and landscape are maintained by a team of professionals and the island also has its own cargo vessel managed by the Services team.
As there are no cars or bicycles in Herm a good degree of fitness is required to negotiate the varied terrain. With no resident doctor or hospital, shortlisted applicants are advised to self-assess their suitability to work on the island. Several residents are trained as community first responders delivering first aid, policing, and fire services.
The rewards are plentiful if you are hard-working and motivated by small team collaboration, helping others, delivering a professional service and above all, taking accountability for your role.
Vision & Culture
Our VISION is to have a sustainable business whilst preserving the unique appeal of Herm Island, including environmental project work.
Our CULTURE encourages a hard-working, collaborative, team approach focused on accountability, empowerment and ultimately excellent customer and staff experience.