The greeting sets the tone for the whole meal. You welcome guests, check whether they have a booking and walk them to a suitable table at their pace. Good seating matches the table to the guests, not just the nearest empty space.
Why it matters
Guests judge a venue within seconds. A warm welcome relaxes them, while being ignored at the door starts the meal badly.
Key ideas
Acknowledge immediately
Even when busy, make eye contact and smile so nobody feels invisible at the door.
Right table, right guest
Think about needs: somewhere quiet for a couple, or space for a pushchair, wheelchair or high chair.
Walking at their pace
Carry the menus, walk slightly ahead and check the group is following.
Step by step
- 1
Smile and greet guests as soon as they arrive.
- 2
Ask for the booking name or the party size.
- 3
Choose a clean table that suits the group.
- 4
Walk them there and hand out menus.
- 5
Tell the server the table has been seated.
Do
- Offer to take coats if your venue has a cloakroom.
- Mention the specials as you hand over menus.
- Ask whether the table is all right for them.
Common mistakes
- Don't greet guests while looking at a screen.
- Don't seat anyone at a dirty or half-reset table.
- Don't seat two new tables in one section at once.
The situation
Two adults and a toddler arrive while you are on the phone taking a booking.
What a professional does
You smile and raise a hand, then finish the call quickly. 'Sorry to keep you. A table for three, with a high chair?' You choose a table with space and tell the server about the child.
Useful phrases
“Good evening, welcome. Do you have a booking with us?”
“Please follow me, your table is ready.”
Pro tip
Before service, learn which tables are booked and which are free.
Quick check
Guests arrive while you are busy. What do you do first?
Think about it, then show the answer
Acknowledge them at once with eye contact, a smile and 'I'll be with you in a moment'.