At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and manage an exceptional wine and beverage programme to enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Windsor Brasserie, a stylish new venue with a royal touch.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, discounts, and exciting employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth within the expanding Arora group.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating unforgettable dining experiences in a high-energy environment.
- Qualifications: A genuine passion for wine and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 21150 - 25850 £ per year.
Holiday – 28 days holiday, enhanced after 5 years of service. But there’s more... Free meals on duty. Uniform offered and dry cleaned. Complimentary on-site parking is available whilst on duty. Free limited shuttle service between the hotel and Heathrow Terminal 5 and Egham Station. Discounted employee friends & family rates at Arora Hotels. Food and beverage discounts. Christmas gifts and employee parties. Introduce a friend scheme. Cycle to work scheme. UK attraction discounts @ Merlin Entertainments. Taste card. Life assurance scheme. Wage stream. Employee assistance programme. Arora star employee recognition. Long service recognition award.
About us... The Windsor Brasserie is an exciting new opening inspired by the elegance of Windsor Park and the glamour of Royal Ascot, offering a refined yet energetic setting with exceptional hospitality. This lively bar and lounge features theatrical mixology and genuine guest interactions, complemented by an open kitchen that puts culinary craft and creativity on display. We are building a passionate team who take pride in their craft and thrive in stylish, high-energy environments, ready to be a part of something special from the very beginning. Our modern brasserie will combine professionalism, personality, and teamwork to create unforgettable experiences, elevating what it means to be a bar and lounge.
A bit about what you will do... The Sommelier is responsible for curating, managing and delivering an exceptional wine and beverage program that enhances the overall dining experience. This role combines extensive wine knowledge, guest engagement, inventory management and staff training to ensure world-class service aligned with the restaurant’s concept and the hotel’s standard. You must consistently strive to improve guest and staff satisfaction and maximize the financial performance in areas of responsibility. Provide expert wine and beverage service within the assigned Food & Beverage outlets, delivering a personalised and memorable guest experience. Engage with guests to understand their preferences and offer tailored wine recommendations and pairings. Present, open, decant and serve wines in accordance with professional, LQA and luxury brand standards. Share knowledge and storytelling to enhance the overall dining experience and elevate guest engagement. Manage wine inventory, storage, cellar organisation and stock rotation to ensure quality and consistency. Support service during peak periods to ensure seamless and efficient operations.
More about you... A genuine passion for wine, beverages and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Strong product knowledge with a desire to continuously develop professionally. A smart, polished and professional appearance. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to remain calm, organised and confident under pressure. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-end hospitality environment. A team-focused mindset with the ability to train, mentor and support colleagues. Experience as a Sommelier or senior wine service professional within a luxury or 5-star hotel environment is a significant advantage.
Grow with us... We are growing rapidly and with growth comes advancement opportunities. Being part of the Arora group there are exciting opportunities for career progression and development across our properties and brands.
Junior Sommelier employer: Fairmont Windsor Park
At the Windsor Brasserie, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates teamwork and creativity. With generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, free meals on duty, and opportunities for career progression within the Arora group, our employees thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions. Join us in crafting unforgettable experiences in a stylish setting, where your passion for wine and hospitality can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior 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 Fairmont Windsor Park. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fairmont Windsor Park
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fairmont Windsor Park 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!
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 Fairmont Windsor Park 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 Fairmont Windsor Park
✨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!
