How to Train a FOH Team in The UK

Remarkable service will have your customers raving about your restaurant to friends near and far. Here's how to ensure your front-of-house (FOH) staff deliver quality service.

1. Make Training Engaging and Frequent

New employees dread dull training sessions. Make your FOH training memorable and effective by including interactive activities, peer mentoring, hands-on shadowing, and actual customer contact. 

And it shouldn’t be a one-off thing. According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 hospitality workers in the UK were polled about restaurant HR, staffing and training in hospitality, 63% of UK believe ongoing training is "extremely important" for maintaining high standards of service.

Every pre-shift meeting should emphasise the importance of exceeding customer expectations. Consider gamification methods, such as rewarding staff who receive positive online reviews (e.g., on Google Reviews, Tripadvisor), to foster enthusiasm and motivation among your team.

2. Observe Closely and Give Feedback

Close observation followed by constructive feedback is crucial. If servers struggle with making eye contact or warmly greeting customers, coach them on these specific behaviours. 

According to Toast's UK Voice of the Restaurant Industry report, 78% of restaurateurs prioritise employee retention through training and feedback to meet rising customer expectations effectively.

3. Provide an Experience, Not Just a Service

Train your staff to understand the difference between providing a basic service and creating a memorable dining experience. 

According to our UK survey, 33.5% of respondents consider greeting customers the most crucial FOH skill. Every interaction—from greeting to goodbye—should reinforce customers' feelings of being welcomed and valued.

4. Ensure Hospitality Continues Throughout the Meal

Service quality shouldn't dip once the bill is presented. Train your staff to remain attentive to customers who choose to linger. 

Continuously offering refills, checking in regularly, and giving heartfelt goodbyes reinforces positive lasting impressions. 

5. The Details Matter

Small details significantly enhance customer satisfaction. Train staff to ensure tables are always set with essentials like cutlery and condiments before food arrives. Teach servers thoughtful communication practices, such as saying "I will be right back with your change" rather than "Do you need change?"

6. Leverage UK-specific Resources

Understanding and integrating local UK practices, standards, and expectations can drastically improve your training effectiveness. 

For example, UK employees highly value structured onboarding, with 52.5% considering it "extremely valuable".

Leverage Toast's restaurant training manual template below to provide clear guidance and consistency.

7. Legal and Operational Compliance

Ensure your training covers key compliance areas. 

Clearly communicating employment policies like code of conduct, anti-harassment, and clear employment agreements are critical for UK employees, with 74.5% expecting detailed employment agreements for all staff. 

8. Enhance Training with Digital Tools

Investing in smart restaurant technology such as integrated POS and handheld systems can help FOH teams manage busy periods efficiently. 

According to Toast's UK Voice of the Restaurant Industry report, 71% of operators plan to increase investment in technology to enhance customer service and operational efficiency this year.

Read how Le Bab built a fluid connection between front- and back-of-house with kitchen display systems and handhelds.

Final Thoughts

Exceptional FOH service drives customer loyalty and boosts your restaurant’s reputation. 

Incorporate engaging, ongoing training that prioritises the customer experience, attention to detail, and consistent feedback. 

Remember, great FOH staff aren’t just trained; they're inspired and supported continuously.