Head Sommelier

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House; Windermere; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading 5-star hotel near Windermere is seeking a Head Sommelier to enhance their guest experience through expert wine pairings and personalized service. The ideal candidate will have a passion for wine, excellent guest relationship skills, and experience in high-end dining environments, working closely with chefs to ensure a memorable culinary experience.

Benefits

Canteen

Company events

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Free or subsidised travel

Gym membership

On-site parking

Relocation assistance may be available

Staff transport provided

Qualifications

• Qualified Sommelier with WSET level 3 or equivalent.
• Strong wine knowledge and passionate about guest service.
• Experience in high-end restaurant environments.

Responsibilities

• Create wine pairings with food in collaboration with chefs.
• Manage wine cellar and stock levels efficiently.
• Build rapport with guests to enhance their experience.

Skills

Guest relationship management

Wine knowledge

Mixology

Education

WSET level 3

Job description

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We're looking for a Head Sommelier to join the Gilpin Hotel, a 5 star hotel based near Windermere.

We have two beautiful on site restaurants, and to complement our food offerings, we're looking for passionate individuals who have an interest for mixology, wine and Champagne. There will be a lot of guest contact, so it's crucial that you love that side of the job too!

THE ROLE OF HEAD SOMMELIER
You will also work closely with our Executive Head Chef and Restaurant Manager creating suitable wine pairings for our restaurants, to delight our guests by helping them choose the best wine to complement their food.

• Possesses a professional, welcoming, and warm personality.
• Works with the chefs to ensure our aperitifs, digestifs and wine is aligned to our food and guest's tastes.
• Understands the guest, who they are, their expectations and how to effectively manage their part of the overall service experience to ensure repeat custom.
• Recommends food and wine pairings - advising guests on wines to suit their personal tastes and food choices.
• Informs guests about different varieties of wines and prices.
• Ensures wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware.
• Serves water, aperitifs, digestifs and wine, and clearing and replacing glassware as required.
• Manages wine cellar and ensures it’s fully-stocked.
• Stores open bottles properly to maintain correct tastes.
• Ensures appropriate supply of clean glassware at all times.
• Updates waiting staff on available wines.
• Communicates clearly, professionally, and concisely.
• Identifies ways to improve sales or control cost.
• Takes pride in building rapport with your team, guests and suppliers.
• Works effectively as part of a team and individually.
• Leads, trains and develops a team of Sommeliers and Commis Sommeliers.

Job Description

We're looking for a Head Sommelier to join the Gilpin Hotel, a 5 star hotel based near Windermere.

We have two beautiful on site restaurants, and to complement our food offerings, we're looking for passionate individuals who have an interest for mixology, wine and Champagne. There will be a lot of guest contact, so it's crucial that you love that side of the job too!

THE ROLE OF HEAD SOMMELIER
You will also work closely with our Executive Head Chef and Restaurant Manager creating suitable wine pairings for our restaurants, to delight our guests by helping them choose the best wine to complement their food.

• Possesses a professional, welcoming, and warm personality.
• Works with the chefs to ensure our aperitifs, digestifs and wine is aligned to our food and guest's tastes.
• Understands the guest, who they are, their expectations and how to effectively manage their part of the overall service experience to ensure repeat custom.
• Recommends food and wine pairings - advising guests on wines to suit their personal tastes and food choices.
• Informs guests about different varieties of wines and prices.
• Ensures wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware.
• Serves water, aperitifs, digestifs and wine, and clearing and replacing glassware as required.
• Manages wine cellar and ensures it’s fully-stocked.
• Stores open bottles properly to maintain correct tastes.
• Ensures appropriate supply of clean glassware at all times.
• Updates waiting staff on available wines.
• Communicates clearly, professionally, and concisely.
• Identifies ways to improve sales or control cost.
• Takes pride in building rapport with your team, guests and suppliers.
• Works effectively as part of a team and individually.
• Leads, trains and develops a team of Sommeliers and Commis Sommeliers.

Qualifications

• Possesses WSET level 3 or equivalent Sommelier qualifications.

Additional Information

Salary: up to £40,000

Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being from £670 per month.

Hours: 45 per week

• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Gym membership
• On-site parking

Relocation assistance may be available

Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel