At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional wine service and enhance guest experiences with your passion for wine.
- Company: Join Petersham Nurseries, a renowned restaurant with a focus on Italian heritage and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in regular tastings and training while working in a values-led business.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and develop your wine knowledge in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for wine and hospitality; WSET Level 2 preferred for junior roles.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Petersham Nurseries is seeking passionate, service-driven Sommeliers to join our award-winning restaurant teams in our Richmond & Notting Hill Locations. Whether you are an experienced Head Sommelier, an accomplished Assistant Sommelier, or an ambitious Junior Sommelier ready to grow, this is an opportunity to work with one of London’s most distinctive wine programmes, rooted in Italian heritage, seasonal cooking, and exceptional hospitality.
Working alongside our Restaurant leadership and Petersham Cellar, you will play a key role in delivering thoughtful, confident wine service, building guest relationships, and contributing to a culture of learning, excellence, and warmth.
About the Role
- Act as a brand ambassador for the Petersham wine collection
- Deliver confident, informed wine service that enhances the guest experience
- Recommend food and wine pairings in close collaboration with chefs and front-of-house teams
- Support and develop wine knowledge across the service team through tastings, briefings, and mentoring
- Ensure wines are served correctly, stored properly, and presented with care and attention to detail
- Assist with cellar organisation, stock control, inventory, and supplier liaison
- Liaise with Petersham Cellar on Wine List Developments, tasting notes, and seasonal updates
- Support events, private dining, and special tastings
- For senior roles: lead service standards, training, sales performance, and stock accountability
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine passion for wine, hospitality, and service
- Strong customer-facing skills with confidence engaging guests
- Interest or experience in Italian wines and regions
- WSET Level 2 minimum (or working towards) for junior roles; higher levels welcomed for senior positions
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, detail-focused environment
- Organised, calm, and professional under pressure
- Willingness to learn, share knowledge, and grow within the role
- Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays, and evenings
What We Offer
- A supportive, knowledgeable team environment with clear progression
- Hands-on involvement with an evolving, quality-driven wine programme
- Regular tastings, training, and development opportunities
- The chance to work within a values-led business focused on sustainability, seasonality, and craft
- Competitive pay, staff benefits, and long-term growth potential
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sommelier in Richmond employer: Restaurant FOH
Contact Detail:
Restaurant FOH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier in Richmond
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Petersham Nurseries and its wine programme. Understanding their values and offerings will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your wine knowledge! Brush up on Italian wines and food pairings. Being able to confidently discuss these topics during your interview will set you apart and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for guests. This will highlight your strong customer-facing skills and fit for the hospitality environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. It shows you're serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier in Richmond
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 stories that highlight your enthusiasm for the world of wine and hospitality. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about what you do.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Sommelier at Petersham Nurseries. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our values and the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for at Petersham Nurseries.
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant FOH
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge, especially Italian wines and regions. Be prepared to discuss your favourite wines and why you love them. This shows your passion and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Service Skills
Think of examples where you've provided exceptional service or handled difficult situations with guests. Highlighting your customer-facing skills will demonstrate that you can enhance the guest experience, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare for Pairing Questions
Expect questions about food and wine pairings. Familiarise yourself with the menu and think about how different wines complement various dishes. This will show your ability to collaborate with chefs and enhance the dining experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Express your eagerness to grow within the role and learn from others. Mention any relevant courses or tastings you've attended, and be open about your goals in the wine industry. This aligns with their culture of learning and development.