Sommelier - Kensington, London

Sommelier - Kensington, London

About Us

The Roof Gardens were originally created in the Art Deco period and opened in 1933. In the late 60's the building was taken over by fashion powerhouse Biba and was the pulse of Swinging London. 100 ft high above Kensington High Street, set across 3 floors with over an acre of gardens, The Roof Gardens will be a next generation members club that is future-facing, committed to innovation and community, to discovery and to delight. The club will open in Spring/Summer 2024 as a world-leading members’ club affording its community beautiful gardens, bars, restaurants and events spaces alongside a visionary cultural and music programme.

The Role

We are looking for a committed Sommelier to join The Roof Gardens team to deliver first class wine operations across our spaces. You will be working with a busy team carrying out all functions related to wine in the club. You will advise members/guests on their choices whilst providing an engaging, friendly, and charismatic service. 

You will ensure operations and processes are delivered by the team to ensure a first-class service, and furthermore, support excellent training opportunities for our team. Engaging with Members is essential, therefore a passion for delivering the highest levels of service is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations & Service: Assist Senior Sommelier in managing wine lists and events for private dining, collaborating with Head Chefs and F&B Director/Managers. Oversee day-to-day wine operations, welcome guests warmly and providing them with personalised wine recommendations and pairings. Develop and implement wine training for F&B/FOH/Events teams, ensuring service excellence and professionalism.

• Finance & Inventory Management: Work closely with Senior Sommelier to achieve profitability and to meet revenue for your area. Analyse daily reports and set targets / suggest strategies and ideas to resolve adverse trends and improve sales if required. Help oversee inventory management and work with Stock Controller/Bars Manager to conduct regular stock take and audits.

• Maintenance & Compliance: Ensure the cellars and wine stores are safe and meticulously maintained to the highest standards. Complete opening and closing duties to ensure compliance and quality assurance of standards are maintained. Always ensure adherence to health & safety, food hygiene, fire regulations and licensing are followed and any other Company policy and procedure.

Skills & Requirements

• Experience in high-quality restaurant or private club
• WSET level or equivalent qualification
• Passion for wine and continuous learning
• Proactive team player committed to exceptional service
• Warm, professional, detail-oriented with strong communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Friendly demeanour, supportive of colleagues
• Strong network in hospitality industry
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for training or supplier visits

Benefits

• Salary above market rate + Tronc
• 30 days holiday + 1 extra day for every year service 
• 1 ‘celebrate you’ holiday and 1 volunteer day
• Free meal during your shift
• Uniform and dry cleaning provided
• A space where you can shower, securely leave your things & relax with colleagues
• Access to financial well-being platform Wagestream
• 24/7 access to well-being support
• Growth opportunities, both personally and professionally 
• Access to our quiet ‘Zen’ retreat space 
• Pension scheme, including employer contributions
• Team socials to celebrate the wins

We are a community united by attitude, curiosity and optimism, not defined by background. We celebrate individuality and free expression. It doesn't matter where you have come from, it's where you are going. The Roof Gardens is a welcoming place of acceptance where growth is nurtured, experiences are shared, stories are exchanged and ideas are born.

If you’d like to join us on the next chapter of The Roof Gardens, we’d love to hear from you.