At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver exceptional wine service and create memorable dining experiences for guests.
- Company: Join the vibrant Sea Containers London, a lifestyle hotel with a unique flair.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, discounts, complimentary stays, and bespoke training programmes.
- Other info: Opportunities for global career progression within a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new dining destination with Gordon Ramsay and elevate your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for wine, hospitality experience, and a commitment to exceptional guest service.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
A lifestyle Hotel based on London’s eccentric South Bank. With 354 bedrooms, award-winning food and drink outlets and an electric energy, Sea Containers London is a destination where glamour meets brutalism – and it's your London anchor on the River Thames. We’re very excited to announce the opening of Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers! A new dining destination created in partnership with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global, opening this autumn 2026. Set directly on the River Thames in the heart of London’s South Bank, Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers will bring together elevated British dining, exceptional hospitality and panoramic river views.
As a Head Sommelier, you will play a key role in delivering an exceptional, world-class dining experience through outstanding wine knowledge, impeccable service and genuine hospitality. Working alongside the Restaurant Team, you will expertly guide guests through an extensive and carefully curated wine programme, creating memorable experiences while driving wine sales and enhancing every aspect of the guest journey.
Key Accountabilities:
- Deliver exceptional wine service that exceeds guest expectations and reflects the standards of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global.
- Confidently recommend and pair wines with menu dishes, creating memorable dining experiences and maximising guest satisfaction.
- Develop an expert understanding of the wine list, vintages and producers to provide informed recommendations tailored to each guest.
- Monitor stock levels, cellar organisation and wine quality, ensuring all products are stored and handled to the highest standards.
- Maintain all specialist wine equipment, glassware and cellar facilities to the highest standard.
- Act as an ambassador for the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants brand, demonstrating professionalism, passion and attention to detail at all times.
What We're Looking For:
- Consistently puts the guest at the heart of every interaction, delivering warm, personalised and memorable experiences that exceed expectations.
- Demonstrates genuine passion for wine, food, hospitality and continuous learning, with an enthusiasm that inspires both guests and colleagues.
- Understands how exceptional wine service, thoughtful recommendations and guest engagement contribute to sales performance, profitability and overall business success.
- Takes pride in precision and consistency, maintaining impeccable standards across wine service, presentation, product knowledge and the guest experience.
- Consistently embodies the values, standards and reputation of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global, demonstrating passion, professionalism and pride in representing the brand.
Salary: £18.00 p/h + very competitive service charge + benefits
Guest experience including dinner and drinks, 6 complimentary nights a year at any Lore Group hotel, Lore Group Employee & Immediate Family Rates, Lore Group Friend and Family Rates, 50% Employee discount and 25% Friends and Family discount at over 800 partner hotels via Lore Discovery, 50% discount in Lore Group restaurants and bars, Discounts in our spa and cinema, Contribution towards Health - Cash Plan, 2 days paid volunteering leave per year, Life Assurance, Length of service incentives (additional holiday), Bespoke training programmes, Free meals on duty, Incentives such as Ride-to-Work and season ticket loan, Quarterly employee award ceremony and company staff parties, Employee assistance programme.
Our properties are widely celebrated for their thoughtful design, interesting use of space, engaging restaurants, award-winning bars and the passion of our people. We are passionate about our people and are committed to training, developing, mentoring, and coaching a world-class team to deliver memorable experiences for our guests. As a small, independent group, we are able to offer a personalised career progression on a global stage, with many of our team members having been able to move to our European and American properties, and vice versa, expanding their roles, careers and experiences. We prefer to promote and transfer within our group whenever possible, backed up by tailored training using internal and external resources. We firmly believe our future leaders are alongside us.
Head Sommelier employer: Riggs D.C
Riggs D.C is an exceptional employer located in Stoke-on-Trent, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee engagement and compliance with UK employment law. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth within the HR field. The company values its staff, providing competitive benefits and fostering a collaborative atmosphere that makes it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Sommelier
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Riggs D.C. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Riggs D.C
Don't be shy about reaching out to Riggs D.C directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Riggs D.C and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riggs D.C
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
