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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 vibrant environment, enhancing guest experiences with fine wines.
- Qualifications: WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and relocation assistance available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Company Description
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.
Job Description
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.
Qualifications
- Possesses WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications.
Additional Information
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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Head Sommelier employer: Relais & Châteaux
Contact Detail:
Relais & Châteaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Sommelier
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the wine list and food pairings at Gilpin Hotel. Understanding their offerings will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the establishment.
✨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 beneficial when discussing your fit for the Head Sommelier position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mixology and wine during any informal conversations or networking events. Engaging in discussions about trends in the wine industry or sharing your personal experiences can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience in training teams. As a Head Sommelier, you'll need to lead and develop a team, so having specific examples ready will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Sommelier. Familiarise yourself with wine pairings, guest interaction, and the importance of teamwork in a luxury hotel setting.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in the hospitality industry, particularly any roles related to wine service or sommelier duties. Include your WSET level 3 or equivalent qualifications prominently.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for wine and mixology. Mention specific experiences where you've enhanced guest experiences through your knowledge of wine pairings.
Showcase Your Personality: Since the role involves significant guest contact, ensure your application reflects your warm and welcoming personality. Use a friendly tone while maintaining professionalism in your writing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Relais & Châteaux
✨Show Your Passion for Wine
As a Head Sommelier, your enthusiasm for wine and mixology should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your favourite wines, recent tastings, or any unique pairings you've created. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Understand the Guest Experience
Since guest interaction is key in this role, think about how you can enhance their dining experience. Prepare examples of how you've previously engaged with guests, recommended wines, or resolved any issues. This shows that you prioritise customer satisfaction.
✨Collaborate with the Kitchen
The role involves working closely with the Executive Head Chef. Be ready to discuss how you would approach creating wine pairings that complement the menu. Highlight any past experiences where you've collaborated with chefs to enhance the overall dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Sommelier, you'll be leading a team. Share your experiences in training or mentoring others, and how you foster a positive team environment. This will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also capable of developing others in the role.
