At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening team of a vibrant new wine bar, focusing on guest experience and team culture.
- Company: Exciting new wine bar concept in West London, inspired by Southern European culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, ongoing training, team socials, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy a dynamic work environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project that combines wine, food, and arts in a lively community space.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years in hospitality management and WSET Level 3 wine knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join the opening team as Assistant General Manager of an ambitious new wine bar concept launching June 2026, working alongside a thought-leader in the London wine world.
The Concept
- CONCEPT: Inspired by southern European wine bar culture and set in a West London mews with generous outdoor space for dining and drinking - it will be a creative, cultural and community hub combining rare wines, ingredient-led cooking, art, music, poetry and design.
- PEOPLE: The project comes from co-founders Elliot Milne (founder of Milk Beach) and Alex Price (Former Head of Wine at Plates, Head of Wine for HAM Restaurants, Beaverbrook and Annabels), bringing together deep experience across hospitality, wine, and operations.
- WINE: The wine program will be thoughtful and creative, exploring both classic old world estates and new age independent winemakers, all underpinned by low intervention sustainable farming practices, with an extensive selection of winemakers from all over the world.
- FOOD: An ingredient-led food offering that draws on Italian and Southern French influences, from an exciting chef to be announced soon.
- VIBE: The aim is to create something fresh for West London, a vibrant, community-led space that showcases exceptional wines and plates with a lively atmosphere and a carefully curated cultural program including musicians, speakers, poets and wine nights. In the summer, the mews will come alive with street-side dining and drinking.
Who We Are Looking For
- PASSIONATE: We're building a team that is passionate about hospitality, wine and food and with a never-ending curiosity to learn and share.
- CONNECTION TO THE ARTS: We're looking for people with a genuine connection to and interest in the arts, who will resonate with and add to the cultural and community ethos of the wine bar.
- EXPERIENCE: Minimum two years' experience in hospitality management, WSET Level 3 wine knowledge.
Role & Responsibilities
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is a key full-time leadership role at the wine bar, working alongside the General Manager to run a successful business and drive team culture. This is a hands-on, floor-led position focused on delivering high standards, developing the team, and driving culture. We're looking for someone who brings energy, ideas, and a genuine desire to grow with the business.
- Wine & Guest Experience: A passionate and well-connected wine professional with strong knowledge across both low-intervention and classic producers. Plays an active role in developing and managing a distinctive wine list, while driving guest engagement and sales through confident, informed recommendations. Continues personal development through tastings, wine lunches, wine events and producer visits.
- Service Leadership: Leads from the front with a hands-on, service-driven approach. Runs organised, high-quality services with clear structure, strong attention to detail, and a consistent focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience.
- Team Development & Culture: Inspires, trains, and develops the team through hands-on coaching and structured education. Builds a positive, accountable culture, managing performance and providing clear, constructive feedback in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Operations & Financial Performance: Supports the GM in the effective running of the business, maintaining strong operational knowledge across systems and ensuring Health & Safety compliance. Contributes to financial performance through labour control, stock management, cost of goods, and driving revenue on the floor.
What We Offer
- Unique opportunity to play an influential role in the creation and growth of a new wine bar concept.
- 46-48 hour work week.
- Mentorship under a highly experienced leadership team.
- Ongoing training and educational opportunities for both product and management.
- Awards programs and annual prize opportunities.
- Friendly and motivating team environment.
- Inclusive and diverse workforce.
- Team socials.
- 28 days holiday per year.
- Meals, softs, coffees, and teas while on shift.
- Up to 50% discounts at all group venues.
Assistant General Manager employer: Sommelier Edit
Milk Beach is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, offering a dynamic work environment that celebrates Australian cuisine and wine. With a strong focus on employee growth, the restaurant provides opportunities for career development, including management training and personalized recognition schemes, all within a friendly and inclusive team culture. Enjoy unique perks such as generous employee discounts, flexible work-life balance, and engaging team social events, making it a rewarding place to thrive in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager
✨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 Sommelier Edit. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sommelier Edit
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sommelier Edit 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 Assistant General Manager
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 Sommelier Edit 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 Sommelier Edit
✨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!