At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wine experiences and inspire a team in a high-end club environment.
- Company: The Pembroke, a unique club in the heart of Belgravia.
- Benefits: Best-in-class salary, 28 days holiday, and industry-leading development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate members' wine experiences in a luxurious setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end hospitality and a passion for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
Steeped in history and situated in the heart of Belgravia, The Pembroke stands apart as a unique club for Londoners. From the spirit of our members to the splendour of our events, we are a home for eclectic and excellent living. A place to eat, drink, dance and meet, The Pembroke opens its doors to those who wish to fill their world with the finest experiences, from cocktails to culture, billiards to business.
With striking views across Buckingham Palace Gardens and Hyde Park, The Dining Room is the club’s flagship restaurant, stretching three exquisitely finished rooms and serving a selection of the finest Mediterranean fare from breakfast to dinner.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Head Sommelier for The Pembroke Club will be the responsible, operational and passionate force behind all members’ wine experiences at the club. They will have a thirst for exceptional service, despite challenging environments, with high volume of fine wines served across multiple, concurrent outlets at all times of the day. On the floor they will lead the charge and take full ownership of service, utilising their expert product knowledge. Guest experience is their highest priority, with a fervour to develop and nurture their team. In the cellars they will have meticulous organisational skills, handling thousands of bottles with exceptional care and attention. They will be passionate about the wine they offer, from cellar to table. They will work closely alongside the Beverage Director, Club Manager and Head Chefs, while inspiring confidence in those under their wing. They set the highest example in service and professional conduct, migrating their fascination with wines and hospitality to those keen to be inspired.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- A constant, visible and active attendance on the floor, confronting high pressure environments with leadership and assertion. Cement and uphold the highest service standards for both high and low budget members. Exceed the lofty expectations of the seasoned wine-devotees whilst providing serendipitous adventure for the amateurs.
- Work in partnership with the Beverage Director on an evolving, pliable and eye-catching wine list for all members’ tastes, providing continuous constructive feedback and requests from members.
- Lead the opening strategy for the wine program at The Pembroke, creating solutions for both pre-opening and ongoing operational planning. Anticipating positive member and staff experience and fostering and monitoring staff morale.
- Perform monthly stock audits and apply experience and expertise to minimize waste and discrepancies. Ensure strict cellar management by overseeing ongoing inventory control, stock rotation, vintage management, breakage prevention, and accurate stock reporting.
- Curate, tailor and manage all wine offerings for members’ private parties and pre-bookings, organising and executing events with calm effortlessness, meticulous attention to detail and determination to exceed expectations.
- Inspire and motivate the wine and service teams, fostering a culture of curiosity, aspiration and ownership. Support career growth and succession planning within the wine department. Establish and maintain service standards to ensure wine service is seamless, creating and delivering ongoing training sessions that increase confidence and control.
- Regardless of their seniority, they are always at their happiest when at the member’s table. Whether receiving deliveries, aiding the restaurant in food service or reaching out to support a colleague.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working across multiple outlets at the same time at an exceptionally high standard.
- A natural propensity to remain calm and in control in high volume environments. Ensuring the level of service and expertise are never diluted by capacity.
- Experience and understanding of luxury wine roles within a large scale, high-end hospitality venue. Ideally a London members’ club, hotel or high-volume fine dining environment.
- Has passionate, up-to-date wine knowledge with a strong understanding of relevance in high end, central London hospitality.
- Strong experience managing stock, achieving targets and a meticulous passion for inventory control in a large scale.
- Unsurpassable service skills with a passion for member experience.
- A warm, professional and meticulous attention to every detail of the full member experience.
- Experience with recruiting, managing and developing a large team.
- The ability to work within a large team of professionals in all departments, creating a calm and approachable environment for their team no matter the urgency.
- Has unmatched standards of personal appearance and of the appearance of their environment.
- Court of Master Sommeliers, DipWSET or similar, long-term experience considered.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Best-in-class salary
- 28 days holiday allowance
- Family meal on shift
- Industry-leading Learning & Development opportunities
- Pension scheme – including employer contributions.
- Annual staff award ceremony and party
- More benefits to be set up as we open
Head Sommelier in London employer: The Dining Room
The Pembroke is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates culinary creativity and excellence in the heart of London’s Belgravia. With a strong focus on employee growth, our Senior Sous Chef will have the opportunity to mentor aspiring chefs, contribute to innovative menu development, and enjoy a supportive environment that values teamwork and professional development. Join us to be part of a prestigious establishment where your culinary skills can truly shine and make a meaningful impact on our members' dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head 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 The Dining Room. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Dining Room
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Dining Room 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 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 The Dining Room 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 The Dining Room
✨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!
