At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate an award-winning wine list and guide guests through personalised pairings.
- Company: Join the prestigious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, part of Relais & Châteaux.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff meals, uniform, and generous gratuities.
- Why this job: Work with a Michelin-starred team and enhance your wine expertise.
- Qualifications: WSET Level 2 or equivalent; experience in fine dining preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with growth opportunities in a stunning Lake District setting.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 31005 £ per year.
At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid-back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.
Your Role as Sommelier
At SOURCE at the Gilpin, excellence is not just expected - it’s celebrated. We’re seeking a Sommelier with exceptional wine knowledge, refined service skills, and a passion for pairing world-class wines with unforgettable cuisine. Led by Executive Head Chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of The Fat Duck), SOURCE at the Gilpin offers a Michelin-starred, 4 AA Rosette experience rooted in exquisite produce, bold flavours, and precise execution.
- Curates and manages an award-winning wine list, alongside the Senior Sommelier.
- Guides guests through thoughtful, personalised wine pairings.
- Collaborates closely with chefs to enhance the tasting experience.
- Trains and inspires the front-of-house team in wine service and knowledge.
- Maintains cellar inventory and supplier relationships with precision.
- Contributes to a culture of excellence, learning, and genuine care.
- Uphold the highest standards of etiquette, presentation, and professionalism.
What You Bring
- WSET Level 2 or equivalent certification (level 3 preferred).
- Experience in Michelin-starred or fine dining environments.
- Deep understanding of global wine regions, vintages, and trends.
- A calm, charismatic presence and a genuine love for hospitality.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- A desire to grow within a forward-thinking, modern restaurant built around using local produce with a twist.
What We Offer
- The chance to work alongside Ollie Bridgwater and a team of passionate professionals.
- A supportive, dynamic and creative environment.
- The chance to support the shaping of an exciting wine programme.
- Opportunities for growth and development within the Gilpin family.
- Staff meals, uniform, and generous gratuities.
- A stunning Lake District setting that inspires every day.
- The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars, and two Michelin Keys.
- The prestige of working within two of the world’s most respected hospitality networks: Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels.
If you’re ready to bring elegance, expertise, and enthusiasm to every glass, we’d love to hear from you.
Location: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Position: Full-Time | Competitive Salary | Immediate Start
Salary: from £29,250 to £31,005
Gratuities: Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being from £370 to £550 per month.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration environ 2[...] employer: Relais & Châteaux
Contact Detail:
Relais & Châteaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration environ 2[...]
✨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 dream sommelier role.
✨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. Let them see your enthusiasm and knowledge – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! If you’re eyeing a position at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, reach out directly. Ask questions about their wine programme or share your thoughts on their current list. It shows initiative and genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on wine trends and new regions. Consider taking additional courses or certifications. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you great talking points during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Sommelier Windermere Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Restauration environ 2[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about being a Sommelier. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for pairing wines with food.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House. Highlight your relevant experience in Michelin-starred or fine dining environments, and don’t forget to mention your WSET certification!
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we appreciate professionalism, we also value a friendly approach. Use a warm tone in your application that reflects our hospitality ethos. Show us that you can balance expertise with a calm, charismatic presence.
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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Relais & Châteaux
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss different wine regions, vintages, and trends. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for the role.
✨Pairing Practice
Think about how you would pair wines with various dishes. Prepare a few examples that highlight your understanding of flavour profiles and how they complement each other. This will demonstrate your ability to enhance the dining experience.
✨Show Your Personality
A calm and charismatic presence is key in hospitality. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Share your love for hospitality and how you connect with guests to create memorable experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the wine programme and the restaurant's vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their culture of excellence.