Head Sommelier

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 7 May 2026
LOCATION
London
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Hospitality & Catering
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Wine Program Management Wine Pairing Sustainable Sourcing Supplier Relationship Management Team Leadership Inventory Management WSET Level 3 Cost Control

FULL DESCRIPTION

Head Sommelier at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

London • Competitive industry pay • Full time

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Conscious & creative dining in the heart of Wood Wharf from the trio behind Fallow restaurant. Named after native deer of the British Isles, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] will follow the same nose-to-tail and root-to-stem ethos as its critically acclaimed sister restaurant, Fallow St James’s.

The extensive a la carte menu will be divided into nibbles and flatbreads, skewers, and grilled options, with larger plates and sides also available. As well as championing modest, British ingredients, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s dishes will showcase underused and underappreciated produce.

The Role

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking an experienced and visionary Head Sommelier to take the reins of our dynamic wine program and elevate the guest experience to new heights. This is a unique opportunity to join one of London’s most progressive and sustainability-focused restaurants, where creativity, excellence, and innovation are at the core of everything we do. As Head Sommelier, you will have full ownership of our wine offering — from curating a diverse, thought-provoking list to leading a passionate team and shaping the future of beverage service at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and evolve [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s wine program, ensuring alignment with our sustainable, ingredient-driven ethos.
  • Curate and manage an exciting, innovative, and responsibly sourced wine list that complements our award-winning cuisine.
  • Deliver engaging, informative, and confident service to guests, with thoughtful wine pairings and outstanding table-side presence.
  • Build and nurture relationships with suppliers, championing lesser-known producers and sustainable vineyards.
  • Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing sommelier team, fostering a culture of education, passion, and hospitality excellence.
  • Oversee stock management, inventory, and cost controls to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.
  • Collaborate closely with the culinary and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless, world-class guest experiences.

About You

  • Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a high-calibre, service-led environment.
  • WSET Level 3 or equivalent professional certification (e.g. CMS).
  • Deep knowledge of global wine regions, with a passion for sustainability and emerging producers.
  • Exceptional leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • Strong operational acumen and experience in managing beverage costs, inventory, and supplier relations.
  • Charismatic, engaging, and confident in guest interaction, with a calm, professional approach under pressure.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary.
  • Career progression.
  • Continuous Learning and Development programme including external opportunities such as WSET and Leadership courses.
  • Wellbeing initiatives.
  • Reward and recognition schemes.
  • Free welcome lunch for you and a guest.
  • 50% restaurant discounts across the group.
  • 25% Friends and Family discounts.
  • 50% discount on company retail.
  • Supplier trips, staff parties and team socials.
  • Staff meal during your shift.
  • Increased holiday entitlement after three years employment.
  • Enhanced parental leave (after one year’s employment).
  • Sabbaticals (after three years employment).
  • Fowl Mouth: the opportunity for our employees to use Fowl as a venue to organise a professional pop-up night.

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], we're passionate about fostering an environment that allows everyone to thrive and prosper, regardless of background. Diversity of perspective and an inclusive approach that promotes the voice of those experiences and viewpoints are well-known to be beneficial for our company and, consequently, career advancement.

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