Restaurant Manager - The Piano Café - Freshwater

We’re Hiring – Restaurant Manager - The Piano Café – Freshwater, Isle of Wight

We’re a bustling café in the heart of Freshwater that re-opened in January 2025 under new ownership with Hannah & Tom. Since then, we’ve been growing steadily and are now recruiting for a brand new senior role.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a close-knit team in a lively, guest-focused environment in a role with responsiblity and creativity (managing the day-to-day of the café, helping us plan and create events). If you join us, you’ll become part of a small, supportive team that works hard, has fun, and takes real pride in what we do.

We operate seven days a week and regularly serve up to 300 guests per day, offering an all day brunch menu, homemade bakes, local coffee and produce, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. We’re proud to offer exceptional service, seasonal food, and a guest experience that feels thoughtful and genuine – never rushed or scripted.

Although we’re “just a café”, we take what we do seriously and aim for consistency, friendliness and excellence in everything – from the way we present food to the way we greet our guests.

This leadership role is for someone who enjoys being on their feet, loves working with people, and thrives in a busy, guest-facing environment. You’ll be our role model for service and standards, and will lead our FOH team in everything they do: from taking orders and delivering plates to sharing menu specials and setting the tone for a great guest experience. On busy days you will lead the team, and manage all bookings and control the bar and kitchen pace. You will work closely with the owners to plan events & menu changes, and oversea bar stock ordering.

The role is 5 days a week in season (starting in August), and 4 days from November, typically working 9am – 4pm shifts. Friday evenings are special to us, our locals and visitors year round and we would want the successful applicant to host these alongside Tom in the kitchen.

Hospitality or Café experience is not essential. Management experience is. 

Please don't apply if you're looking for a summer role - as this is a permenant position.

Is this you?

• Leading shifts: supporting the team in their individual roles, controling the pace on all drink and food orders, creating a fun and positive environment, ensuring all guests are looked after,
• Greeting and seating guests with warmth and professionalism
• Taking orders clearly and confidently, using our till system
• Running food and drinks and keeping service areas tidy and organised
• Sharing knowledge about our menu, daily specials and café ethos
• Creating a welcoming atmosphere – from small gestures to genuine conversations, building relationships with our locals
• Working closely with both FOH and kitchen teams
• Managing and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation
• Controling all stock levels for the bar: orders, deliveries and stock takes within budget
• Supporting the café during busy periods and managing transitions smoothly
• Working closely with the owners: creating events, helping with social media, potentially owning your own admin project.... there's no chance to get bored!
• Leading service on Friday night dinners - creating a walm and relaxed dining experience

• Minimum 28 contracted hours year-round, with scope for 35–40 over summer
• Pro-rated holiday (minimum 22 days/year based on 28-hour contract)
• Competitive hourly rate - this will reflect your experience
• Evenly split gratuity and cash tips shared among the whole team
• Uniform provided
• Staff meals during shifts
• 50% staff discount on additional food and drink