At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Sommelier in delivering exceptional wine service and guest experiences.
- Company: Join Julie’s, a Notting Hill icon known for modern British cuisine and a dynamic wine programme.
- Benefits: Earn up to £16/hr, enjoy staff meals, discounts, and opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Dive into the world of wine, learn from experts, and grow your sommelier skills.
- Qualifications: WSET Level 2 minimum; passion for wine and hospitality is essential.
- Other info: Structured training and clear pathways for career progression await you.
5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Location
Julie’s Restaurant, Holland Park, London
Reports to
Head Sommelier and Assistant Head Sommelier
Pay: Up to £16/hr, inclusive of service charge
About Julie’s
A Notting Hill icon, Julie’s pairs modern British cooking with a dynamic wine programme: 20+ wines by the glass, rotating features, and Coravin-enabled premium pours. We are a guest-focused team with high standards, warm hospitality, and a genuine love of wine.
The Role
As Junior Sommelier, you will support the Head Sommelier and Assistant Head Sommelier in delivering memorable, insightful wine service. You will guide guests, maintain the cellar, help develop the by-the-glass programme, and champion standards on the floor.
Key Responsibilities
- Guest Experience: Recommend pairings confidently; read the table and tailor service to guest preferences.
- Service Excellence: Open, serve, and steward wines to Julie’s standards (decanting, glassware, temperature, Coravin).
- By-the-Glass & Coravin: Set up, rotate, gas-check, and maintain BTG systems; track wastage and freshness windows.
- Cellar & Stock: Receive deliveries, organise cellar, maintain cleanliness, replenish fridges, and assist with weekly stock takes and daily counts.
- Training & Culture: Attend tastings; share quick briefs with FOH; contribute concise notes and talking points for new listings.
- Sales & KPIs: Support revenue targets, attachment rates, and premium-pour upsells, always with guest trust first.
- Compliance: Follow licensing, Weights & Measures, allergens/SAT, and health & safety procedures.
- Events: Assist with private dining and producer evenings.
What You’ll Bring
- Genuine hospitality and a calm, gracious floor presence.
- Clear communication, great listening, and a collaborative mindset.
- Solid wine foundation (WSET Level 2 minimum; Level 3 a plus) and eagerness to learn.
- Competence with decanting, temperature management, and basic cellar practices.
- Strong organisation and attention to detail (you notice labels, vintages, glassware, and table needs).
- Physical ability to lift wine cases and work on your feet during service.
- Right to work in the UK.
Nice to Have
- Prior sommelier or premium FOH experience.
- A broad knowledge of French wine, alongside international classics.
Development & Progression
- Structured tastings, producer trainings, and mentorship from the Head Sommelier and Assistant Head Sommelier.
- Clear pathway to Sommelier and Assistant Head Sommelier based on service consistency, cellar ownership, and sales KPIs.
- Support for further qualifications and competition entries where appropriate.
- Competitive wage, with tronc/service charge.
- Staff meals and generous staff discount.
- Uniform allowance and laundered aprons.
- Tastings, supplier trips (subject to availability), and strong career development.
- Cost-price wine at the discretion of the Head Sommelier/General Manager
Schedule
- 5 days over 7 on a rotating rota, with evenings and weekends typical of the role.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
Industries
- Restaurants
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Junior Sommelier employer: Julie's Restaurant
Contact Detail:
Julie's Restaurant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sommelier
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, pop by Julie’s and soak in the vibe. Familiarise yourself with their wine list and menu. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your wine knowledge! Brush up on your WSET Level 2 and be ready to discuss your favourite wines or pairings. Confidence in your recommendations can really impress the Head Sommelier.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hospitality skills! During the interview, demonstrate how you would engage with guests. Think about how you can create memorable experiences through your service.
✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share any experiences or knowledge you have about wines, especially if you've got that WSET Level 2 or higher. We want to see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with our dynamic wine programme.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role of Junior Sommelier at Julie’s. Highlight relevant skills like your ability to recommend pairings and your experience with service excellence. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to what we do!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Keep your language clear and to the point, focusing on your key experiences and skills. Avoid fluff – we want to know exactly why you’d be a great fit for our team without wading through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our guest-focused team at Julie’s!
How to prepare for a job interview at Julie's Restaurant
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge, especially if you have a solid foundation like WSET Level 2 or 3. Be ready to discuss your favourite wines, their regions, and how they pair with different dishes. This will show your passion and expertise, which is key for a Junior Sommelier.
✨Showcase Your Guest Experience Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. Think about times when you tailored your approach to meet guest preferences. Highlighting your ability to read the table and create memorable experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Julie’s values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you work well in a team. Share instances where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive work environment. This will show that you’re not just a great sommelier but also a fantastic team player.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the wine programme, training opportunities, or the restaurant's approach to guest service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.