Head Sommelier in City of Westminster

A bustling modern Australian restaurant in the heart of Soho is looking for an experienced and dynamic Head Sommelier to lead its wine program and cement its place as the leading destination to experience Australian wine in London. An opportunity to work with Australia’s most iconic wineries, Wine Australia, and Tourism Australia to champion Australian wine to a UK audience. An opportunity for someone to achieve a Star Wine List award.

MILK BEACH is a leading modern Australian restaurant in London located in a spectacular venue in Soho, one of London’s favourite premium casual restaurant destinations. It features an 80 cover restaurant plus 10 spots at the bar and an additional 60 covers in the outdoor courtyard. Australian hospitality is professional, knowledgeable, and passionate, but also engaging, friendly, and fun. The seasonal a la carte lunch/dinner menu showcases modern Australian cuisine - coastal, barbecue, with southeast Asian and Mediterranean influences.

ROLE SUMMARY

A key leadership role in the business, the Head Sommelier will have full responsibility for curating and sourcing an exciting and unique wine list for the restaurant; and will have full accountability for wine operations, wine service, team training, and wine sales and GP financial results.

• Wine List
  • Curation of a wine list that is unique in the European restaurant scene, showcasing the outstanding quality Australian wines have to offer.
  • Target a Star Wine List award in 2027.
  • Foster and grow relationships with all suppliers, Australian winemakers, Wine Australia, and Tourism Australia.
  • Make Milk Beach known as the go-to destination for Australian wine in London.
• Oversee wine operations
  • Run the wine operations of the restaurant as their own business with full operating and financial responsibility.
  • Ensure impeccable, knowledgeable, but approachable and fun wine service in the restaurant.
  • Responsible for sales targets, gross profit targets, wine inventory and stock, ensuring proper storage, rotation, and ordering for optimal COGS management.
• Events
  • Host our ‘Toast Australia’ dinner series in which we partner with some of Australia’s most iconic winemakers and winery owners.
  • Host trade tastings alongside Amelia Jukes and Wilem Powel.
• Training
  • Team training and mentorship is a vital and important responsibility for this role.
• Build reputation
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with winemakers, suppliers, and distributors; both locally and globally, to secure exclusive and high-quality offerings.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Industry experience
  • 2+ years as a wine manager or supervisor and/or Head Sommelier.
  • WSET Level 3 or Diploma certification, or equivalent knowledge.
  • Previous restaurant management experience is also valued, but not required.
• Service oriented
  • High energy, social, and engaging personality, to bring a bit of fun to the wine experience for our guests.
  • A natural ability to build rapport with both guests and staff, providing exceptional guest experience and engaging training.
• Business acumen
  • Strong business acumen with a high attention to detail to manage budgets, sales, and inventory.
• Australian connection
  • Someone with a good understanding of Australian culture and hospitality and a genuine interest in and knowledge of Australian wine and understanding of its unique regional characteristics.
• Passion for L&D and Hospitality
  • We are seeking someone who is passionate about nurturing curiosity and pushing team members to learn and develop in their own wine journeys.
  • Someone who loves dining out and who is plugged into the London restaurant and wine scene and trends.

What we Offer / Benefits

• Experienced management team who have been in positions for 2+ years including Head Chef, AGM, Restaurant Manager, Head of People.
• Career development and external educational development including management training.
• Personalised recognition schemes.
• Friendly and motivating team environment with an inclusive and diverse workforce.
• Flexibility and work/life balance.
• Perks including 25-50% employee discounts at all group restaurants, cost price wine, meals, softs, coffees, and teas while on shift, cycle to work scheme, and team social events including comedy nights, bowling, darts, and more.