Bartender -, London

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000

Job description

Sommelier - Rucola Restaurant, The Conduit

Set in the heart of Covent Garden, The Conduit serves as a home for people passionate about achieving positive social, environmental, and economic change.

Join the vibrant pre-opening team of Rucola, a revolutionary farm-to-plate, zero-waste restaurant concept located on the 5th floor of The Conduit Club in Covent Garden. Rucola is committed to offering an exceptional dining experience that celebrates sustainability, seasonality, and craftsmanship. We are currently seeking a skilled and passionate sommelier to be a part of the team and an advocate of our wine program, assisting our members and guests in their wine choices while also supporting the rest of the team to ensure a seamless exceptional experience.

As the sommelier, you will be expected to be an integral part of the team, assisting your colleagues with other duties to ensure the member/guest experience is the priority.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Pairing and Recommendations:
   1. Collaborate closely with the culinary team to develop wine pairing suggestions for the menu, considering flavour profiles, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
   2. Provide personalized wine recommendations to guests, enhancing their dining experience and promoting wine education.
   3. Stay informed about the latest developments and trends in the wine industry to offer informed and up-to-date recommendations.
2. Staff Training and Education:
   1. Conduct training sessions for restaurant staff to enhance their knowledge of wine, including grape varieties, regions, and serving techniques.
   2. Foster a culture of hospitality and professionalism among the service team, ensuring they deliver exceptional wine service to guests.
3. Wine Cellar Management:
   1. Oversee the organization and maintenance of the restaurant's wine cellar, ensuring proper storage conditions and inventory management.
   2. Implement procedures for stock rotation, labelling, and recording of wine purchases and sales.
   3. Monitor inventory levels and assist in developing strategies to optimize wine sales and minimize waste.
4. Guest Interaction:
   1. Interact with guests to understand their preferences and tailor wine recommendations to suit their tastes and preferences.
   2. Host wine tasting events, wine dinners, and other promotional activities to engage with club members and attract new clientele.
   3. Act as a brand ambassador for Rucola, promoting the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and excellence in wine service.

Equipment:

• Take responsibility for maintaining any equipment under your purview.
• Report any breakages/shortages in a timely manner.
• Keep wine menus tidy and clean, reporting any shortages/damage to the Head of Department.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience as a sommelier in a high-end restaurant or hospitality establishment.
• Extensive knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.
• Strong palate and ability to discern nuanced flavours and aromas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with guests and inspire enthusiasm for wine.
• Certification from recognized wine education programs (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust) preferred.
• A passion for sustainability and a commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and contribute to the success of the pre-opening team.

We strive to be a company that is inclusive, where everyone, from any background, can be happy at work. As part of our team, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits:

• We are closed on Sundays.
• 28 days annual leave + 1 extra day each year for long service (up to a maximum of +5).
• +1 extra day off to celebrate your birthday and a complimentary birthday meal for 2.
• +1 extra day off each year to volunteer at a charitable organization of your choice.
• Refer a Friend bonus of up to £500.
• Access to 150 member-only thought-leadership events per year.
• 33% dining discount for up to 4 once a month.
• Local discounts in and around Covent Garden, including restaurants, fashion, beauty, and perks for food and opticians, and many other businesses across the local area.
• Development and progression through Conduit Careers including e-learning programmes.