Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
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Hakim Besong

Hakim Besong

London

Summary

Energetic and personable hospitality professional who brings warmth, character, and positivity to every team. Renowned for fostering a fun, joyful work environment that uplifts colleagues and enhances the guest experience. With over 5 years' experience in London's high-end restaurants, I blend a people-first mindset with strong service skills, keen attention to detail, and a deep understanding of restaurant operations. Thriving in fast-paced settings, I lead by example, support those around me, and consistently deliver exceptional service—from refined silver spoon service to managing large-scale events. My mission is always to elevate the team and ensure every guest leaves feeling genuinely valued.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Head Waiter

Laxerio
London
06.2024 - Current
  • Upsold menu items to enhance guest experience and maximise revenue, while still catering to customers budgets and preferences.
  • Managed guest seating arrangements efficiently to optimise table turnover and guest satisfaction.
  • Trained and supervised wait staff to maintain customer service standards.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations within the restaurant premises.
  • Handled cash transactions and end-of-day accounting tasks ensuring financial accuracy.

Waiter & Head Runner

Café Laperouse
London
09.2023 - 06.2024
  • Apart of the grand opening of the restaurant.
  • Worked closely with the chef to provide tasty options for guests with food allergies or intolerances.
  • Covered large parties and events.
  • Maintained excellent guest satisfaction by providing attentive, proactive and helpful service.
  • Memorised complete menu and offered guests knowledgeable suggestions.


Commis Waiter & Waiter

The Londoner
London
07.2021 - 08.2023
  • Apart of the grand opening of the restaurant
  • Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally, notifying restaurant management of concerns.
  • Supported fellow team members during busy periods for optimal efficiency.
  • Opened bottles of wine at the table correctly – provided professional beverage service.
  • Understood how to work under immense pressure and deal with problems/enquires

Head Runner

Tree House Hotel
London
02.2020 - 07.2021
  • Facilitated smooth delivery of service by dealing with guests requests efficiently and accurately, maintaining clear and effective communication with kitchen staff.
  • Increased customer loyalty by building and maintaining relationships with regular guests, memorising individual dining needs and preferences to maximise dining experience.
  • Gained significant knowledge on key health/food safety standards

Education

A-Levels - Engineering

South Bank UTC
09.2019 - 06.2021

A-Levels - Business Studies

South Bank UTC
09.2019 - 06.2021

GCSEs - English

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Maths

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Business Studies

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Engineering

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

Skills

  • Strong sales and upselling ability, consistently boosting revenue through persuasive, guest-focused service
  • Excellent communicator with a warm, people-first approach that enhances guest satisfaction
  • Team leadership and training experience with a focus on creating positive, high-performing environments
  • Highly organised and calm under pressure; able to multitask in fast-paced settings
  • Tech-savvy and confident with video editing, digital tools, and POS systems

Certification

QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)


Food Safety and Hygiene, Level 2


Health and Safety in a Workplace Level 2 (VTQ)


Asbestos Awareness (CPD)


NOCN Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Affiliations

  • Working Out/Fitness
  • Family Time
  • Cooking
  • Football

Languages

English
Native
Arabic
Upper intermediate
French
Beginner

Timeline

Head Waiter

Laxerio
06.2024 - Current

Waiter & Head Runner

Café Laperouse
09.2023 - 06.2024

Commis Waiter & Waiter

The Londoner
07.2021 - 08.2023

Head Runner

Tree House Hotel
02.2020 - 07.2021

A-Levels - Engineering

South Bank UTC
09.2019 - 06.2021

A-Levels - Business Studies

South Bank UTC
09.2019 - 06.2021

GCSEs - English

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Maths

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Business Studies

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019

GCSEs - Engineering

South Bank UTC
09.2017 - 06.2019
Hakim Besong