Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Commis Sommelier, you'll set up beverage stations and serve guests with precision.
- Company: Join the award-winning Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, a top-rated workplace in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary hotel stays, discounts, and access to training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values inclusivity, creativity, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, communication skills, and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shift hours with a focus on teamwork and guest satisfaction.
Join us as a Commis Sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, recently recognised as one of 'The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for' in 2024 and 'Hotel of the year - London' at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity.
When you join us as a Commis Sommelier, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award-winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.
What you’ll do
- You will be responsible for the setup and maintenance of the beverage station throughout the day, including receiving and organising beverage deliveries, checking inventory, storing items in the correct places, and ensuring everything is prepared before service.
- You will set up glassware and other necessary equipment for service before the restaurant opens, ensuring that everything is clean and in place.
- During the service, you will focus on delivering beverages quickly and efficiently to ensure that guests are served in a timely manner.
- You may receive specific timeframes for delivery, and it’s important to communicate any delays to the team.
- Occasionally, guests may have special requests such as preferences for certain wines, dietary requirements, or requests for special celebrations.
The operational hours of work are shift-based and may be subjected to change. These currently set as:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 14:30 - close
- Sunday and Monday: Off
What you’ll bring
- Essential Skills and Experience
- Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately follow wine service procedures, monitor stock levels, and ensure proper storage.
- Communication Skills: Clear verbal communication for effectively interacting with guests and team members.
- Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with senior sommeliers, kitchen staff, and waitstaff to provide seamless service.
- Customer Service: Ability to create a positive experience for guests by responding to their needs, answering questions about wine, and offering recommendations.
- Basic Organizational Skills: Capacity to keep wine areas organized and assist with the setup and breakdown of service.
- Willingness to Learn: Openness to developing wine knowledge and skills through training and on-the-job learning.
- Manual Handling: Ability to handle wine bottles and glassware carefully and safely.
- Basic Wine Knowledge: Some understanding of wine varieties, regions, or service techniques, though training will be provided.
- Experience in Upscale Dining or Hospitality: Previous experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment is beneficial.
- Language Skills: Additional languages beyond English can be helpful for communicating with an international clientele.
- Knowledge of Food and Wine Pairing: Basic understanding of pairing principles, with a willingness to learn more.
What you’ll get
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Discounts: Get 50% off food and beverages at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection.
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva Private Pension scheme; Benefit from Seasonal ticket loan, Rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and Eye care vouchers.
- Training and Development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well-being Support: Access immediate well-being advice because we care about our employees.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you need us to do anything to support you during the recruitment process, please do call People & Culture team on 02073197011 or email PeopleAndCultureLondon.UK@dorchestercollection.com so that we can discuss how we can support you through this process.
Commis Sommelier - Alain Ducasse employer: The Dorchester Collection
Contact Detail:
The Dorchester Collection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Sommelier - Alain Ducasse
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the wine list and beverage offerings at Alain Ducasse. Understanding their selection will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Alain Ducasse. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for wine and customer service by attending wine tastings or workshops. This shows your commitment to learning and growing in the field, which is highly valued in a fine dining environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team during your interview. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Sommelier - Alain Ducasse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Commis Sommelier. Familiarise yourself with the skills and experiences required, such as attention to detail, communication skills, and basic wine knowledge.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in hospitality or fine dining. Emphasise any previous roles that involved customer service, teamwork, or wine knowledge, even if it's basic. Make sure to showcase your willingness to learn and grow in the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the hospitality industry and your enthusiasm for the Commis Sommelier position. Mention why you want to work at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and how your values align with their culture of inclusiveness and excellence.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dorchester Collection
✨Show Your Passion for Wine
As a Commis Sommelier, it's crucial to demonstrate your enthusiasm for wine. Be prepared to discuss your favourite wines, any experiences you've had with wine tasting, and how you stay updated on wine trends. This will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
In this position, attention to detail is key. During the interview, provide examples of how you've successfully managed inventory or ensured quality in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can maintain high standards in service.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role requires working closely with various team members. Share experiences where you've effectively collaborated with others, especially in high-pressure environments. This will illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific guest requests or complaints. Think of examples from past experiences where you provided excellent customer service, particularly in a fine dining context, to showcase your skills in creating memorable guest experiences.
