Assistant Head Sommelier

Ennismore International Management Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biannual socials

Birthday off

Meals provided

Pension & life assurance

28 days holiday

Refer-a-friend bonus

Job summary

Estelle is seeking an Assistant Head Sommelier in its Notting Hill club, to lead the wine team and deliver exceptional hosted experiences for members. You will oversee service direction, ensure proper setup, and maintain wine areas with a focus on quality and safety.

You will pair wines to member preferences, manage stock and costs, and mentor junior staff while upholding the Estelle standard of hospitality. A WSET level and luxury experience are essential.

Qualifications

• WSET Level 3 or Diploma required.
• 2+ years proven experience as a sommelier in luxury hospitality.
• Excellent time-management and prioritisation skills.
• Obsessive about wine with a genuine hospitality passion.
• Inspiring leader with strong communication.
• Able to tailor service to member preferences.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day wine operations and lead the Sommelier team during service.
• Ensure accurate setup/close of restaurant areas and mise en place.
• Maintain wine list knowledge and assist with wine pairings for members.
• Address member feedback to ensure a positive lasting impression.
• Support budgeted wine costs, stock, and labour targets.
• Train junior colleagues on wines and service standards.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Education

WSET Level 3 or Diploma

2+ years Sommelier experience

Job description

Who are we?

Celesteis the newest property from the world of Estelle, sister to Maison Estelle in Mayfair and Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire. Ameticulously restoredtownhouse, Celeste is opening invibrant Notting Hill, London. A publicItalian-Americanrestaurantis located on the ground floor, complete with alfresco front terrace, elegant wrap around bar counter and a glazed conservatory in the rear. Set on the first floor, our oak-panelled, Tokyo-influencedmembers’ barevokes Art Deco grandeur, with a sculptural bar stretching beneath soaring windows.Celeste’s second floor offers members an open kitchen-stylepantry,servingJapanesedishes from the traditional robata, alongside delectable sushi and sashimi. Tucked beneath the eaves, onCeleste’s third floor,‘The Apartment’is anideal spot for a private hosted occasion, with rustic beams,?reclaimedwooden floors and the spirit of an artist’s studio.

What’s in it for you?

AtEstelle, we prioritise your well-being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience. Enjoy exclusive staff rates and biannual socials. Nurture your well-being with stocked colleague spaces and staff food. Engage in forums shaping The Estelle Way. Join us for a fulfilling journey where you arevalued,supported, andcelebrated.

Here at Estelle, we want to create a unified culture and sense of belonging across both Estelle Manor and Maison Estelle. We have a range of perks and benefits at your fingertips:

• Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
• Birthday day off
• Goes without saying, but we will feed you during your shift.
• Added protection of our pension and life assurance schemes.
• 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
• Recommend-a-friend bonus scheme.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As a Assistant Head Sommelier you'll be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and activities within the wine areas ensuring the team deliver an exceptional hosted experience for our members.

You'll also be responsible for:

• Providing direction to the Sommelier team during service.
• Making sure the restaurant is set up and closed accurately and on time; cleaned, restocked and all mise en place is prepared and ready on time.
• Ensuring the relevant wine related areas, FF&E, silver, glass, porcelain etc. is clean and in good working order.
• Proactively managing any member complaints ensuring we follow up so that our members and their guests leave happy with a positive lasting impression.
• Helping to achieve budgeted wine costs, sales, stock, labour costs and profitability.
• Delivering all department control procedures to ensure the safe delivery of all wine related products are in line with UK food safety and health and safety legislation.
• Being aware of our members who are drinking and / dining with us and ensure the bar team personally tailor their service appropriately.
• Ensuring use of till systems and payment processes are in line with SOP’s and standards.
• Recommending food and wine pairings to our members based on their preferences
• Advising members on wines based on their personal tastes
• Having an in-depth knowledge of our wine list to be able to inform members about different varieties of wines and prices.
• Ensuring wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware in line with the members club standards.
• Storing open bottles properly to maintain the best taste and quality.
• Managing wine cellar and ensure it is stocked as requested.
• Training junior colleagues and other F&B colleagues on available wines and also make sure that they have good knowledge of the wine list.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• WSET Level 3 or Diploma
• At least 2 years proven experience in a Sommelier role within a luxury / lifestyle hospitality business.
• Excellent time-management skills; comfortable prioritising what is important during busy periods.
• Obsessive about wine
• You are an inspiring leader who relishes taking responsibility for running the Wine department.
• A balance between a methodical and process-driven approach and flexibility and creativity when it comes to meeting deadlines and finding solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable talking to colleagues, senior management, and coming front of house to talk to members.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and hosting.

What’s in it for you?

The on target earning potential for this role is £49,000 per annum - comprising a base salary of £36,000, plus a qualified estimate of £13,000 in gratuities and service charge.*

AtEstelle, we prioritize your well-being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience: