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- Tasks: Lead our wine service, create pairings, and engage with guests at our luxury hotel.
- Company: Join the prestigious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, part of Pride of Britain Hotels.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, gratuities, free food, gym membership, and staff transport.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a stunning location, enhancing guest experiences with your expertise.
- Qualifications: WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid-back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.
We\’re looking for a Head Sommelier to join the Gilpin Hotel, a 5 star hotel based near Windermere.
We have two beautiful on site restaurants, and to complement our food offerings, we\’re looking for passionate individuals who have an interest for mixology, wine and Champagne. There will be a lot of guest contact, so it\’s crucial that you love that side of the job too!
THE ROLE OF HEAD SOMMELIER
You will also work closely with our Executive Head Chef and Restaurant Manager creating suitable wine pairings for our restaurants, to delight our guests by helping them choose the best wine to complement their food.
- Possesses a professional, welcoming, and warm personality.
- Works with the chefs to ensure our aperitifs, digestifs and wine is aligned to our food and guest\’s tastes.
- Understands the guest, who they are, their expectations and how to effectively manage their part of the overall service experience to ensure repeat custom.
- Recommends food and wine pairings – advising guests on wines to suit their personal tastes and food choices.
- Informs guests about different varieties of wines and prices.
- Ensures wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware.
- Serves water, aperitifs, digestifs and wine, and clearing and replacing glassware as required.
- Manages wine cellar and ensures it’s fully-stocked.
- Stores open bottles properly to maintain correct tastes.
- Ensures appropriate supply of clean glassware at all times.
- Updates waiting staff on available wines.
- Communicates clearly, professionally, and concisely.
- Identifies ways to improve sales or control cost.
- Takes pride in building rapport with your team, guests and suppliers.
- Works effectively as part of a team and individually.
- Leads, trains and develops a team of Sommeliers and Commis Sommeliers.
- Possesses WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications.
Salary: up to £40,000
Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being from £670 per month.
Hours: 45 per week
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free or subsidised travel
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Relocation assistance may be available
Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel
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Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Head Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration envi[...] employer: Relais & Châteaux
Contact Detail:
Relais & Châteaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Head Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration envi[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the wine list and food pairings at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. Understanding their offerings will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mixology and wine by discussing any relevant experiences or personal projects. This could include tastings you've hosted or unique pairings you've created, which will highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would enhance the guest experience through your role as Head Sommelier. Think about specific strategies you could implement to improve wine sales and customer satisfaction.
We think you need these skills to ace Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Head Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration envi[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Sommelier at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. Familiarise yourself with their wine offerings and the importance of guest interaction.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in wine service and mixology. Include any qualifications such as WSET level 3 or equivalent to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for wine and guest service. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully paired wines with food and how you’ve enhanced the dining experience for guests.
Showcase Your Personality: Since the role involves significant guest interaction, convey your warm and welcoming personality in your application. Use a friendly tone and share anecdotes that reflect your ability to connect with guests.
How to prepare for a job interview at Relais & Châteaux
✨Show Your Passion for Wine
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wine and mixology during the interview. Share any personal experiences or knowledge you have about different wine varieties, regions, and pairings. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Guest Experience
Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance the guest experience through your role as Head Sommelier. Think about ways to engage with guests, recommend wines based on their preferences, and create memorable dining experiences. Highlighting your customer service skills will be crucial.
✨Collaborate with the Kitchen Team
Since the role involves working closely with the Executive Head Chef, come ready to talk about your experience collaborating with kitchen staff. Discuss how you can contribute to creating harmonious food and wine pairings that elevate the overall dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Sommelier, you'll be leading and training a team. Be prepared to share examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully developed others in previous roles. This will show that you're not only qualified but also capable of fostering a positive team environment.
