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- Tasks: Lead our wine service, recommend pairings, and manage the wine cellar at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Join the Gilpin Hotel, a stunning 5-star destination near Windermere with exquisite dining options.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, gratuities, free meals, gym membership, and staff transport.
- Why this job: Perfect for wine lovers who thrive on guest interaction and want to develop their skills in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications required.
- Other info: Work closely with chefs and lead a passionate team of Sommeliers.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.
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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.
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: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Contact Detail:
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House 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 the Gilpin Hotel. Knowing the menu inside out will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills, especially in a fine dining context. Since this role involves a lot of guest interaction, being able to showcase your ability to connect with guests and enhance their dining experience will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in high-end establishments. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would train and develop a team of Sommeliers. The ability to lead and inspire others is crucial for this position, so be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the hospitality industry, particularly any roles related to wine service or sommelier positions. Emphasise your qualifications, such as WSET level 3 or equivalent, and any specific achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for wine and mixology. Mention your experience with food and wine pairings, and how you can enhance the guest experience at the Gilpin Hotel. Be sure to convey your warm personality and ability to connect with guests.
Showcase Your Knowledge: During the application process, demonstrate your knowledge of different wine varieties and their pairings with food. You might want to include examples of successful pairings you've created in the past or discuss trends in the wine industry that could benefit the hotel.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leading and training a team of Sommeliers, be sure to highlight any previous leadership experience. Discuss how you have successfully developed team members and improved service standards in your past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
✨Show Your Passion for Wine
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wine and mixology during the interview. Share your experiences with different wines, your favourite pairings, and any unique cocktails you've created. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Understand the Guest Experience
Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance the guest experience through your role as Head Sommelier. Think about how you can tailor wine recommendations to individual tastes and how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with chefs and other staff, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to create memorable dining experiences.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Wine Management
Familiarise yourself with wine cellar management and inventory control. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure the wine selection is well-stocked and properly stored, as well as how you would keep the waiting staff updated on available wines.
