Sommelier in London

Sommelier in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Gymkhana

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver exceptional service and recommend wines to enhance guest experiences.
  • Company: Join the award-winning JKS Restaurant Group at Gymkhana.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, career progression, and a supportive team culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a Michelin-starred restaurant and elevate your hospitality career.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sommelier and a passion for food and drink.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Gymkhana, part of the JKS Restaurant Group, are seeking a Sommelier to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Sommelier looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.

The Restaurant

Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, celebrate and play sport. The Gymkhana menus take influence from the breadth of India, focusing on tandoori-grilled specialties, classic regional curries, biryanis and chaat-style sharing plates. The flavours are bold, rooted in tradition and richly layered with spices. The bars at Gymkhana specialise in a collection of Club Cocktails, which showcase the finest Indian ingredients and flavour combinations, offering a modern Indian interpretation on renowned classics. Above the restaurant is 42, Gymkhana’s intimate cocktail lounge. Gymkhana received its second Michelin Star in 2024, a decade after the first Star and winning Best Restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards and BMW Square Meal Restaurant of the Year.

The Position

As 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 Sommelier will have:

  • An engaging and personable nature;
  • A passion for hospitality and delivering an exceptional guest experience;
  • Prior experience as a Sommelier within a quality restaurant;
  • WSET or equivalent Sommelier qualification (preferred but not essential);
  • 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:

  • Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
  • Retail & Takeaway Discounts
  • Code App Membership
  • Discounted Gym Membership
  • Stream – 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
  • 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.
  • Employee referral scheme - paying up to £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 8 Michelin stars, 6 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2025 and one of codes happiest places to work 2025. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Ambassadors Clubhouse, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Legado, along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar and Bibi. 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.

Sommelier in London employer: Gymkhana

Gymkhana, part of the acclaimed JKS Restaurant Group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises its team members, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in genuine hospitality. With access to extensive learning and development opportunities, competitive benefits including discounts across JKS restaurants, and a commitment to employee well-being, Gymkhana fosters an environment where passionate individuals can thrive and grow their careers in the dynamic world of fine dining.
Gymkhana

Contact Detail:

Gymkhana Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sommelier in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, food festivals, or industry events where you can meet fellow sommeliers and restaurant owners. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for wine and food pairings. Bring your personality into the conversation; being friendly and engaging can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – follow up! After sending in your application through our website, drop a quick email to express your enthusiasm for the role. A little persistence can go a long way in showing you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of wines and food pairings relevant to Gymkhana's menu. Being able to discuss how you would enhance the guest experience with your recommendations will impress the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier in London

Wine Knowledge
Food and Beverage Pairing
Customer Service
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
WSET Qualification
Passion for Hospitality
Engaging Personality
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Learning Agility
Fluent English Language Ability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and drink shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about being a Sommelier. We want to see that spark!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Gymkhana. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, especially any WSET or Sommelier certifications. We appreciate attention to detail!

Be Personable: Since we’re all about delivering exceptional guest experiences, make sure your application reflects your friendly and engaging nature. Use a conversational tone to show us who you are!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gymkhana

✨Know Your Wines

Brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss different varietals, regions, and how they pair with Indian cuisine. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Sommelier role.

✨Showcase Your Personality

Since the job requires a friendly and personable nature, let your personality shine through during the interview. Share anecdotes that highlight your customer service skills and how you create memorable experiences for guests.

✨Understand the Menu

Familiarise yourself with Gymkhana's menu and the types of dishes they serve. Think about how certain wines can enhance the flavours of their tandoori-grilled specialties or classic curries, and be ready to suggest pairings.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality

Express your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry and your eagerness to learn and grow. Discuss any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and how you inspire others in a team setting.

Sommelier in London
Gymkhana
Location: London

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