At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and serve exceptional wines while enhancing guest experiences.
- Company: Award-winning Fish Shop Restaurant with a focus on quality and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, free meals, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for tailored career development in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your wine expertise in a unique dining setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, a passion for wine, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The award-winning Fish Shop Restaurant in Ballater is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Sommelier to join our team. Working within a close-knit and collaborative environment, you will play a key role in ensuring our wine offering remains exceptional. From sourcing and selecting wines to suggesting pairings and engaging with our guests, you will help maintain and evolve our carefully curated wine list to a world‑class standard.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining and developing the restaurant’s wine selection through sourcing, tasting, and comparison
- Preparing and setting up for daily service
- Delivering seamless wine service during lunch and dinner
- Supporting the team during service, as required
- Sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with guests, enhancing their overall dining experience
- Upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation
About You
- Proven experience in a similar hospitality or restaurant setting
- A genuine passion for wine and continuous learning
- Confidence, initiative, and excellent communication skills
- A commitment to maintaining high service standards
- WSET certification (desirable)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary plus generous TRONC and service charge
- 30 days annual leave
- Complimentary annual guest experience for you and a guest
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Free meals and drinks while on shift
- Generous Artfarm‑wide employee discounts (including locations across the UK, Europe, and the US)
- Enhanced life assurance
- Health benefits, including a health cash plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Tailored career development opportunities to support your goals
About Fish Shop
Inspired by the heritage of the Scottish fishing industry, the Fish Shop Restaurant and Fishmonger in Ballater offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for both locals and visitors alike. Our “catch to plate” philosophy ensures that both our menu and fishmonger selection are driven by the freshest daily landings from trusted suppliers—celebrating provenance, seasonality, and simplicity. The 40-cover restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with seating options that include:
- The bar
- A bespoke clinker‑built fishing boat table
- Banquettes beneath a striking woven fish installation by a local artist
Recent awards include the Michelin Bib Gourmand, as well as Best Eating Experience at the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards.
If you’re passionate about wine, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Sommelier in Ballater employer: The Fish Shop - Front of House
The Fish Shop Restaurant in Ballater is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture where your passion for wine can truly flourish. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including 30 days annual leave, and tailored career development opportunities, you will be supported in your professional growth while enjoying a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of Scottish cuisine. Join our award-winning team and contribute to creating memorable moments for our guests in a stunning location.
Contact Details:
The Fish Shop - Front of House Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier in Ballater
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend wine tastings, local food events, or hospitality meet-ups. The more people you know in the industry, the better your chances of landing that sommelier role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite pairings or recent discoveries. Let them see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! If you find a job you love, reach out directly to the restaurant. A quick email or call can make you stand out from the crowd and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Whether it’s taking a WSET course or reading up on the latest wine trends, showing that you’re committed to continuous improvement will impress any employer. Plus, it’ll make you even better at your job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier in Ballater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine:When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge about different wines. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the craft.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Sommelier role at Fish Shop Restaurant. Highlight relevant experience in hospitality and any specific skills that align with our needs. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the wine world. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our restaurant and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Fish Shop - Front of House
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss different varietals, regions, and food pairings, especially those that complement seafood. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Sommelier role.
✨Showcase Your Service Skills
During the interview, highlight your previous experience in hospitality. Share specific examples of how you've delivered exceptional service or handled challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain high service standards in a busy restaurant environment.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
Express your genuine passion for wine and hospitality. Engage with the interviewers by asking questions about their wine selection and philosophy. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand their expectations and culture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready for practical questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you would suggest a wine pairing for a specific dish or how you would handle a guest's complaint. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently and effectively.
