At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and maintain the beverage station, ensuring timely service for guests.
- Company: Join the award-winning Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, a top-rated workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary stays, discounts, and access to training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Participate in fun social events and enjoy well-being support.
- Why this job: Learn from industry legends and elevate your skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, communication skills, and a willingness to learn about wine.
Join us as a Commis Sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, recently recognised as one of ‘The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work for’ in 2024 and ‘Hotel of the year – London’ at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards. We continually strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is part of our DNA, reflected in our values of passion, personality, respect, working together, and creativity. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our culture and drives our success.
We care about your career and are proud to have the absolute best people in the industry. When you join us as a Commis Sommelier, you will have a unique opportunity to excel in your field. You will learn from your fellow Legends and our award-winning learning academy to achieve the highest standards in craft, service, and leadership.
What You’ll Do
- You will be responsible for the setup and maintenance of the beverage station throughout the day. This includes receiving and organising beverage deliveries, checking inventory, storing items in the correct places, and ensuring everything is prepared before service.
- You will be setting up glassware and other necessary equipment for service before the restaurant opens, ensuring that everything is clean and in place.
- During the service, you will focus on delivering beverages quickly and efficiently to ensure that guests are served in a timely manner. You may receive specific timeframes for delivery, and it’s important to communicate any delays to the team.
- Occasionally, guests may have special requests such as preferences for certain wines, dietary requirements, or requests for special celebrations. Most of these requests are fulfilled by our Commis Sommelier.
The operational hours of work are shift-based and may be subjected to change. These currently set as:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 14:30 – close
- Sunday and Monday: Off
What You’ll Bring
Essential Skills and Experience
- Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately follow wine service procedures, monitor stock levels, and ensure proper storage.
- Communication Skills: Clear verbal communication for effectively interacting with guests and team members.
- Team Collaboration: Willingness to work closely with senior sommeliers, kitchen staff, and waitstaff to provide seamless service.
- Customer Service: Ability to create a positive experience for guests by responding to their needs, answering questions about wine, and offering recommendations.
- Basic Organizational Skills: Capacity to keep wine areas organized and assist with the setup and breakdown of service.
- Willingness to Learn: Openness to developing wine knowledge and skills through training and on-the-job learning.
- Manual Handling: Ability to handle wine bottles and glassware carefully and safely.
Preferred Skills
- Basic Wine Knowledge: Some understanding of wine varieties, regions, or service techniques, though training will be provided.
- Experience in Upscale Dining or Hospitality: Previous experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment is beneficial.
- Language Skills: Additional languages beyond English can be helpful for communicating with an international clientele.
- Knowledge of Food and Wine Pairing: Basic understanding of pairing principles, with a willingness to learn more.
What You’ll Get
- Complimentary Stays: Enjoy complimentary stays with breakfast at Dorchester Collection Hotels every year.
- Discounts: Get 50% off food and beverages at selected bars and restaurants within the Dorchester Collection; enjoy Friends & Family stay discounts at our hotels; benefit from discounts at various high street and online shops.
- Employee Perks: Enrol from day 1 into the Aviva Private Pension scheme (we contribute 8% towards your pension); benefit from seasonal ticket loan, rental deposit scheme, private financial advice, and eye care vouchers.
- Training and Development: Advance in your career by accessing various apprenticeships from Level 2 to Hospitality Degree Level 5. We partner with outstanding nationally recognised Apprenticeship providers.
- Social Events: Participate in vibrant social events, including a summer party, winter ball, pub quizzes, and cultural and milestone recognition celebrations.
- Referral Bonus: Earn a £1000 bonus when you recommend a friend.
- Well-being Support: Access immediate well-being advice because we care about our employees.
Commis Sommelier in London 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 Commis Sommelier in London
✨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 Commis Sommelier in London
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!
