At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an exceptional wine programme and train a passionate team in fine dining.
- Company: Join a prestigious international fine-dining restaurant in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000 plus bonus opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values respect and precision.
- Why this job: Shape a world-class beverage programme and elevate dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Certified Sommelier with 2+ years in high-end restaurants.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary Up to £60,000 per annum, London + Bonus Opportunities
Skylark Hospitality is excited to partner with our client in the recruitment of a dynamic and driven Head Sommelier. We are seeking an accomplished and inspiring Head Sommelier to lead the beverage programme at our acclaimed international fine-dining restaurant in London. Known for refined European-inspired cuisine, exceptional service, and an elevated, intimate dining experience, our venue is the destination of choice for discerning guests and industry connoisseurs.
Responsibilities
- Curate and manage an exceptional wine program, with a strong emphasis on pairings that complement Japanese flavours
- Train and lead the FOH team in wine and sake knowledge
- Provide personalized recommendations to guests with an emphasis on education and engagement
- Manage vendor relationships, inventory, and cost controls
- Maintain high standards for service, cleanliness, and hospitality
- Collaborate with the culinary team on seasonal pairings and new offerings
Requirements
- Qualified: Certified Sommelier (CMS, WSET Level 3 or higher preferred)
- Experience: 2+ years of head sommelier or beverage director experience in a fine-dining or high-end restaurant.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of wines (especially Bordeaux, Burgundy), with an eagerness to explore aged Bordeaux and rare vintages.
- Leadership: Proven skills in team training, mentorship, and confidently engaging high-end clientele.
- Personal Traits: Meticulous, calm under pressure, with outstanding interpersonal & organisational abilities.
Why Join the team?
- Heritage & Prestige: Become part of a distinguished, globally recognised restaurant group celebrated for its dedication to European culinary excellence and refined hospitality.
- Exceptional Tools: Work with an extensive cellar of more than 1,000 bottles from approachable selections to rare, collectible vintages, supported by transparent pricing.
- Creative Influence: Play a defining role in shaping a world-class beverage programme, crafting bespoke wine pairings that showcase and elevate modern European cuisine.
- Supportive Culture: Join a close-knit, highly professional team that values respect, precision, and a shared commitment.
If you are a driven and dedicated professional with a passion for hospitality, we would love to hear from you! You must have the right to work in the UK in order to apply for this position.
Head Sommelier in London employer: Job Search Place Limited
Skylark Hospitality offers an exceptional opportunity for a Head Sommelier to join a prestigious fine-dining restaurant in London, renowned for its European-inspired cuisine and outstanding service. With a commitment to employee growth, a supportive work culture, and access to an extensive wine cellar, this role allows you to influence a world-class beverage programme while working alongside a dedicated team that values precision and respect. Join us to elevate your career in a dynamic environment where your expertise will be celebrated and nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Sommelier in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, industry events, and even local meet-ups. The more people you know in the hospitality scene, the better your chances of landing that Head Sommelier role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal portfolio showcasing your wine pairings and experiences. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps us see your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your vision for the beverage programme and how you’d elevate the dining experience. Confidence is key, so rehearse your ideas until they flow naturally.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine:When writing your application, let your love for wine and the art of pairing shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about curating a wine programme, especially with Japanese flavours!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've trained and led teams in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your mentorship abilities and how you've engaged with high-end clientele. This will show us you're ready to take charge!
Be Meticulous and Organised:Your application should reflect the meticulous nature we value. Make sure it's well-structured, free of errors, and clearly outlines your qualifications and experiences. A tidy application speaks volumes about your attention to detail!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Wines
Make sure you brush up on your wine knowledge, especially Bordeaux and Burgundy. Be prepared to discuss specific vintages and pairings that complement Japanese flavours, as this will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully trained or mentored a team. Highlight your ability to engage with high-end clientele and how you've maintained high standards in service and hospitality.
✨Engage with Personalised Recommendations
Prepare to demonstrate how you would provide personalised wine recommendations to guests. Think about how you can educate them while enhancing their dining experience, which is key for this role.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with inventory management and cost controls. Be ready to discuss how you would manage vendor relationships and ensure the wine programme is both exceptional and profitable.
