At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create an exciting wine bar experience and engage with guests.
- Company: New wine bar concept launching in West London, inspired by Southern European culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, mentorship, wine training, discounts, and a vibrant team atmosphere.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, learning, and participation in cultural events.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative community hub that celebrates wine, food, and the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and WSET Level 3 qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
BAR BLONDIE - NEW WINE BAR & RESTAURANT Opening July 2026
Salary: £14.00 - £18.00 per hour (inc Tronc) DOE
Location: West London
Opportunity
An exciting opportunity to join the opening team of an ambitious new wine bar concept launching July 2026. The concept is inspired by southern European wine bar culture and set in a west London mews with generous outdoor space for dining and drinking. It will be a creative, cultural and community hub combining rare wines, ingredient-led cooking, art, music, poetry and design.
People
The project comes from co-founders Elliot Milne (founder of Milk Beach) and Alex Price (Former Head of Wine at Plates, Head of Wine for HAM Restaurants, Beaverbrook and Annabels), bringing together deep experience across hospitality, wine, and operations.
Wine
The wine program will be thoughtful and creative, exploring both classic old world estates and new age independent winemakers, all underpinned by low intervention sustainable farming practices, with an extensive selection of winemakers from all over the world.
Food
An ingredient-led food offering that draws on Italian and Southern French influences, from an exciting chef to be announced soon.
Vibe
The aim is to create something fresh for West London, a vibrant, community-led space that showcases exceptional wines and plates with a lively atmosphere and a carefully curated cultural program including musicians, speakers, poets and wine nights. In the summer, the mews will come alive with street-side dining and drinking.
Who we are looking for:
- Passionate: We’re building a team that is passionate about hospitality, wine and food and with a never-ending curiosity to learn and share.
- Connection to the arts: We’re looking for people with a genuine connection to and interest in the arts, who will resonate with and add to the cultural and community ethos of the wine bar.
- Experience: Minimum two years’ experience in hospitality experience, WSET Level 3 wine knowledge or equivalent preferred.
Role & Responsibilities
- Sommelier & Floor Supervisor: Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory or floor management role within a premium wine bar or restaurant environment. WSET Level 3 qualification (or equivalent). Leads and motivates the front-of-house team during service, ensuring seamless operations and consistently high standards. Acts as the primary point of contact on the floor, confidently handling guest interactions, feedback, and service recovery where required. Demonstrates exceptional service standards, professionalism, and attention to detail, setting the tone for the team. Builds strong communication between frontline staff and senior management, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and teamwork.
- Junior Sommelier: Proven experience as a Sommelier or in a comparable role within a premium wine bar or restaurant environment. WSET Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) preferred, or strong progression towards this level expected. Possesses in-depth wine knowledge, with a strong ability to curate, recommend, and confidently upsell wines tailored to guests’ preferences and menus. Leads the wine service on the floor, ensuring a refined, knowledgeable, and engaging guest experience. Works closely with the kitchen and management team to maintain and evolve the wine list, including pairings and seasonal updates. Demonstrates excellent communication skills, with the ability to educate and inspire both guests and team members. Plays a key role in training and developing junior staff in wine knowledge and service standards.
- Commis Sommelier: Previous experience as a Commis Sommelier, or Wine Waiter in a similar role within a high-quality wine bar or restaurant environment. WSET Level 2 preferred, or a clear ambition to learn and progress to this level and beyond. Works collaboratively with Sommeliers and Supervisors to deliver a smooth, efficient, and professional wine service and dining experience. Provides attentive and engaging service, contributing to a welcoming and memorable guest experience. Responsibilities include taking orders, serving wine and beverages, running food, polishing glassware, and maintaining service areas to a high standard.
What we offer:
- Full time & part time roles available
- Mentorship under a highly experienced leadership team
- Frequent staff wine training - including but not exclusively with importers and winemakers.
- Weekly blind tastings.
- Access to supplier wine tastings and events.
- Supplier trips to farms and vineyards.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities for both product knowledge and management skills (e.g., WSET certifications and Watershed hospitality workshops)
- Awards programs and annual prize opportunities
- Friendly and motivating team environment
- Inclusive and diverse workforce
- Team socials
- 28 days holiday per year
- Meals, softs, coffees, and teas while on shift
- Up to 50% discounts at all group venues
- 20% off Retail Wine Prices.
Sommelier employer: Bar Blondie
Bar Blondie is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and creative work environment in the heart of West London. With a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship, frequent wine training, and opportunities for WSET certifications, we foster a culture of passion for hospitality, wine, and the arts. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values inclusivity, community engagement, and a lively atmosphere, all while enjoying generous benefits like discounts and team socials.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bar Blondie. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bar Blondie
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bar Blondie directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bar Blondie and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bar Blondie
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
