At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and serve exceptional wines while enhancing guest experiences.
- Company: Award-winning Fish Shop Restaurant in Ballater with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, free meals, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your wine knowledge in a unique dining setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, a love for wine, and great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The award-winning Fish Shop Restaurant in Ballater is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Sommelier to join our team. Working within a close-knit and collaborative environment, you will play a key role in ensuring our wine offering remains exceptional. From sourcing and selecting wines to suggesting pairings and engaging with our guests, you will help maintain and evolve our carefully curated wine list to a world-class standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining and developing the restaurant's wine selection through sourcing, tasting, and comparison
- Preparing and setting up for daily service
- Delivering seamless wine service during lunch and dinner
- Supporting the team during service, as required
- Sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with guests, enhancing their overall dining experience
- Upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation
About You
- Proven experience in a similar hospitality or restaurant setting
- A genuine passion for wine and continuous learning
- Confidence, initiative, and excellent communication skills
- A commitment to maintaining high service standards
- WSET certification (desirable)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary plus generous TRONC and service charge
- 30 days annual leave
- Complimentary annual guest experience for you and a guest
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Free meals and drinks while on shift
- Generous Artfarm-wide employee discounts (including locations across the UK, Europe, and the US)
- Enhanced life assurance
- Health benefits, including a health cash plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Tailored career development opportunities to support your goals
About Fish Shop
Inspired by the heritage of the Scottish fishing industry, the Fish Shop Restaurant and Fishmonger in Ballater offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for both locals and visitors alike. Our "catch to plate" philosophy ensures that both our menu and fishmonger selection are driven by the freshest daily landings from trusted suppliers—celebrating provenance, seasonality, and simplicity. The 40-cover restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with seating options that include: The bar, a bespoke clinker-built fishing boat table, and banquettes beneath a striking woven fish installation by a local artist. Recent awards include the Michelin Bib Gourmand, as well as Best Eating Experience at the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards.
If you're passionate about wine, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Sommelier - Ballater employer: Fish Shop
The Fish Shop Restaurant in Ballater is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture where your passion for wine can truly flourish. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including 30 days annual leave, and tailored career development opportunities, we are committed to supporting your professional growth while you contribute to our award-winning dining experience. Join us in a unique setting that celebrates the heritage of the Scottish fishing industry, and be part of a team dedicated to excellence in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier - Ballater
✨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 Fish Shop. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fish Shop
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fish Shop 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 - Ballater
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 Fish Shop 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 Fish Shop
✨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!
