At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and recommend wines to enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Join the award-winning JKS Restaurants, known for its Michelin-starred dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% off dining, discounted gym memberships, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a critically acclaimed restaurant with a unique culinary focus.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sommelier and a WSET qualification are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with additional holidays and employee referral bonuses.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Salary - Up to 50,000 per annum. Dependant on experience
Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Previous experience in a similar role
Gymkhana are seeking an Assistant Head Sommelier to join their wine team at their 2 Michelin starred restaurant, situated in Mayfair. The successful candidate will be personable, passionate and have exceptional wine knowledge. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Sommelier looking for an opportunity in an award winning, critically acclaimed group.
The Position
As Assistant Head Sommelier, you will be responsible for delivering the highest levels of service and an exceptional guest experience within the restaurant and private dining rooms. You will recommend and sell wines to customers both to complement their tastes and to pair with their menu choices.
The successful Assistant Head Sommelier will have:
- An engaging and personable nature;
- A passion for hospitality and delivering an exceptional guest experience;
- Prior experience as an Assistant Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier within a quality restaurant;
- WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualification;
- A professional and confident communication style with fluent English language ability;
- Proven ability to lead, inspire and motivate a team;
- An excellent knowledge of food and beverage;
- The eagerness to continually learn and develop your career within hospitality.
Benefits & Culture
Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:
- Treat Yourself - Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
- Retail & Takeaway Discounts
- Code App Membership
- Look After Yourself - Discounted Gym Membership
- Wagestream β stream your pay earlier
- Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to Financial Advice
- Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package
- Celebrating your big occasions
- Season Ticket Loan
- Progress Yourself - Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
- A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
- Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.
- Be Yourself - Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
- Employee referral scheme - paying up to Β£600 per referral
- Staff parties & long service awards
The Group
JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 6 Michelin stars, 6 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the Worldβs 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2025. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Legado, along with cult favourites Hoppers, BAO, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Bibi, and Ambassadors Clubhouse. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Assistant Head Sommelier - London employer: Gymkhana
Contact Detail:
Gymkhana Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Sommelier - London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know in the hospitality scene, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Head Sommelier role at Gymkhana.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite wine pairings or recent discoveries. This will not only showcase your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for the role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Assistant Head Sommelier, you'll need to engage with guests and inspire your team. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your style.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to highlight your experience and what makes you a great fit for Gymkhana's unique vibe.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Sommelier - London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for wine and hospitality shine through. We want to see that youβre not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the opportunity to work at Gymkhana.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience as a Sommelier. We love seeing how your previous roles have prepared you for this position, so donβt hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Personable: Since weβre all about exceptional guest experiences, your written application should reflect your engaging personality. Use a friendly tone and let us know how you connect with guests and enhance their dining experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this fantastic opportunity at Gymkhana!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gymkhana
β¨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss different varietals, regions, and food pairings, especially those that complement Indian cuisine. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for the role.
β¨Showcase Your Personality
As an Assistant Head Sommelier, being personable is key. Practice how you can convey your enthusiasm for hospitality and guest experience during the interview. Share anecdotes that highlight your engaging nature and ability to connect with customers.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've led a team or inspired others in a previous role. The interviewers will want to see that you can motivate and guide your colleagues, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and any relevant experiences.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Gymkhana's wine programme or their approach to guest service. This not only shows your genuine interest in the restaurant but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and curiosity about the industry.