71 year-old Neil Heshmat named Britian's most-loved waiter
Neil Heshmat has worked front of house at the St John’s Wood restaurant since 1976 and has dedicated his career to the restaurant over the past 45 years.
He has been named as the nation’s most popular waiter by guest experience management company Superb, which conducted an analysis of online user-generated reviews and social media posts, as well as national newspaper reviews, to find Britain’s best-loved waiter. Heshmat was found to have been referenced favourably in at least 13 national newspaper reviews since 2006 and of the 657 ‘excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews of Oslo Court, he is mentioned in person in 92.
Born in Egypt, Heshmat came to England in 1975, taking on the role as dessert waiter at Oslo Court the following year. During his time, he has served celebrities including Matt Lucas, Lord Spencer, David Cameron and Barbara Windsor and is known for his exuberant dessert trolley service and impeccable manners. In some cases, he is now dishing out desserts to the third generation of customers, having served their parents and grandparents.
He is also believed to be the UK front of house staff member to have worked for the longest in the same restaurant, starting at Oslo Court in 1976 when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister.
“I have spent my life working at Oslo Court and loved every minute. I consider every customer that I have served to have been my favourite, and each one gives me reason to come back the next day and enjoy myself again,” he says.
“The pandemic hit our industry hard, and it wasn’t fun to be sitting around at home; I wanted to be back out amongst my customers, helping them have the best experience possible. I am so grateful to be recognised as Britain's most popular waiter.
“After nearly 50 years of work it is a privilege to gain recognition for doing something I adore - here’s hoping for many more years!”
In her review of the restaurant for The Evening Standard in November 2018, Fay Maschler wrote: “Neil, who is in charge of the desserts displayed on a trolley and who has worked in the restaurant since 1976, charms and coaxes and provokes us into lemon meringue pie and raspberry mille-feuille served with ice cream.”
He is also described as “the true star of the show” and “one of the main reasons why many people keep coming back here” in a review back in May 2013 by David Michon for Monocle.
“Neil is an inspiration to the restaurant industry and to all those who appreciate that there is more to an incredible dining experience than just the food,” says Zaedo Musa, founder and CEO of Superb.
“As the world considers returning to restaurants, people like Neil - who love their job and their customers in equal measure - are going to be crucial in enticing people away from deliveries at home, and ensuring that a meal out is a memorable experience.”
Oslo Court was bought by Tony Sanchez in 1982 and the this family-owned restaurant has acquired cult status in London. Originally a Members' Club, the restaurant has become renowned for its salmon-pink table cloths and grand dining room that harks back to dining in the 1970s.
