Sommelier - The Pass

Exclusive Hotels and Venues; Lower Beeding; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel stays discount

Food & Beverage discount

Free meals on duty

Gym access

Employee assistance programme

Hospitality perks

Job summary

Exclusive Hotels and Venues’ South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, hosts The Pass, a Michelin-starred dining room. We're seeking a passionate Sommelier to guide guests through a wine journey that complements our menu.

You'll work closely with chefs and guests to deliver knowledgeable service, develop wine knowledge, manage stock, and contribute to memorable, luxury hospitality experiences at a renowned country house hotel near Horsham.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as sommelier or wine waiter in quality-led settings.
• Knowledge of wine regions, varietals and food pairing; WSET preferred.
• Excellent communication and guest engagement skills.
• Warm, personable service with confidence.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Calm, professional conduct in fast-paced environments.
• Passion for luxury hospitality and memorable experiences.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver knowledgeable wine service throughout the guest journey.
• Present wines and pairings to enhance tasting menus.
• Collaborate with Restaurant Manager and kitchen team to create experiences.
• Develop knowledge of wine list, vintages, producers and regions.
• Assist with cellar stock control and inventory.
• Maintain high standards of wine storage and presentation.
• Contribute to evolving wine offerings and new pairings.
• Build rapport with guests and tailor recommendations.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Wine pairing

Hospitality

Communication

Education

WSET qualification

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Horsham

Restaurants and Bars, Conference and Banqueting

Properties:

South Lodge and The Spa, Horsham, West Sussex

Departments:

Fine Dining

Job Introduction

Sommelier at The Pass - Join the Team Behind One of the UK's Most Exciting Dining Experiences

At South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, luxury, creativity and exceptional hospitality come together in one of the UK's most celebrated country house hotels. Home to the Michelin-starred restaurant The Pass, the award-winning Spa at South Lodge and the tranquil lakeside lodges known as The Reeds, South Lodge offers a serene retreat where nature, luxury and wellbeing meet. Together, they create an environment that embodies elegance, creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

The Pass is far more than a restaurant. It is an immersive culinary theatre where guests are seated around an intimate open kitchen, placing them at the heart of the action as our chefs create an extraordinary tasting menu experience. Awarded 1 Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes, The Pass is renowned for its innovation, precision and unforgettable guest journey.

This is your opportunity to become part of a passionate front-of-house team that delivers exceptional service at every touchpoint. Working closely with our chefs and guests, you'll help create memorable dining experiences through expertly curated wine pairings, exceptional product knowledge and genuine hospitality.

At South Lodge, we know that exceptional experiences start with exceptional people. That's why we invest in our teams and reward passion, commitment and ambition. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

As a Sommelier, you will play a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience, guiding guests through an outstanding wine journey that complements the creativity and precision of our Michelin-starred cuisine. Your passion, expertise and enthusiasm will help bring the story of The Pass to life. Our Sommelier will:

• Deliver knowledgeable and engaging wine service throughout the guest journey.
• Recommend and confidently present wines, pairings and beverages to enhance the tasting menu experience.
• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager, Head Sommelier and kitchen brigade to create memorable dining experiences.
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of the wine list, vintages, producers and regions.
• Assist with stock control, cellar management and inventory processes.
• Ensure wines are stored, served and presented to the highest standards.
• Support the development and evolution of the wine offering, including new wines and pairings.
• Build rapport with guests, tailoring recommendations to individual preferences and occasions.
• Maintain exceptional standards of service, presentation and attention to detail at all times.

About You

You'll be a passionate and enthusiastic Sommelier with a genuine love for wine, hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

You'll bring:

• Previous experience in a Sommelier, Wine Waiter or hospitality role within a quality-led restaurant, hotel or fine dining environment.
• A strong knowledge of wine, regions, varietals and food pairing principles, ideally with a WSET qualification or a desire to continue developing your wine knowledge.
• Excellent communication and guest engagement skills.
• A warm, personable and confident approach to service.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work calmly and professionally in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for luxury hospitality and delivering memorable experiences.
• A commitment to continuous learning and personal development.

Why Exclusive Collection?

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.