Sommelier, The Savoy Hotel

The Savoy is one of the world's most iconic hotels. We are the original British luxury hotel, opened in 1889, and have a reputation for outstanding service excellence. We blend our rich history with innovation, and have played host to royalty, world leaders, and legends of the stage and screen. Today, we pride ourselves on creating special memories for our guests by delivering the very best in five-star luxury hospitality.

Our award-winning, colleague-centric culture truly differentiates us in the luxury hospitality marketplace. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, along with outstanding career development opportunities globally within Fairmont.

• Top Ten (Big Organisations) – Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025

• HR in Hospitality Awards 2025:

  • 🏆 Excellence in Employee Experience

  • 🏆 HR Team of the Year

  • 🏆 HR Leader of the Year – awarded to our Director of People & Culture, Sally Webster

• Institute of Hospitality Awards 2025

  • 🏆 Talent Development Team of the Year

Job Title: Sommelier

Department: Bars, Food & Beverage

Inspired and Supported by: Head Of Bars

Salary: 39,645 (including service charge)

Your purpose will be:

To lead one of the most ambitious and extensive wine programmes in luxury hospitality. The Head Sommelier will be responsible for curating and delivering an exceptional wine experience centred around Beaufort Bar's Discovery Programme, featuring over 100 wines available by the glass and one of the largest public luxury wine selections in the market.

You will inspire guests and team members alike through exceptional wine knowledge, engaging storytelling, and a passion for discovery, ensuring every guest interaction reinforces Beaufort Bar's position as a world-class destination for wine, Champagne, and luxury hospitality.

You will be accountable for:

Leadership and Team Management

• To create a sophisticated, memorable, and personalised wine experience for each and every guest who walks through the doors of Beaufort Bar, regardless of their level of wine knowledge or experience. Whilst serving wine correctly is essential, creating genuine emotional connections and memorable moments through expert recommendations, storytelling, and hospitality is what truly defines success in this role.
• You will guide guests through one of the most extensive luxury wine programmes in London, including our Discovery Programme and over 100 wines available by the glass. You will confidently make recommendations, tailor experiences to guest preferences, and inspire exploration and discovery.
• You will collaborate closely with the Host Team, Bar Team, Sommelier Team, and Head Sommelier to ensure a seamless five-star experience, maintaining exceptional communication and attention to detail throughout the guest journey.
• Learning and following our Forbes Five-Star and Savoy service standards will be a requirement and key to your success, with clear performance expectations and measurable targets.
• You will become an expert on our wine and Champagne programme, as well as developing a strong understanding of our cocktail, spirits, and food offerings to provide holistic recommendations and elevate the guest experience.
• You will attend regular tastings, supplier presentations, and training sessions, continuously developing your wine knowledge while sharing your expertise with colleagues and supporting their development.
• Above all, you will be part of a passionate and ambitious team that takes pride in delivering world-class hospitality whilst proudly representing Beaufort Bar and The Savoy. • Previous Sommelier, Wine Waiter, or luxury beverage service experience within a high-end hospitality environment

What you will need to do in this role?

• Strong passion for wine, Champagne, and luxury hospitality
• Demonstrable knowledge of classic wine regions, grape varieties, producers, and service standards
• Passion for and understanding of Forbes Five-Star hospitality and what it takes to deliver it
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and guest engagement skills
• Ability to confidently recommend wines and create tailored guest experiences
• Quick thinking, resourceful, and able to solve problems in the moment
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and courteous at all times
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including weekends and public holiday
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Right to work in the UK

Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.

• As part of our commitment to nurturing exceptional talent, Sommelier colleagues benefit from ongoing wine education and the opportunity to pursue advanced WSET qualifications through sponsorship and development programmes delivered in partnership with some of the world's leading wine suppliers.

• Competitive salary and additional service charge
• Life insurance and pension
• 31 days of holiday (including public holidays)
• Exclusive discounts:
  • Savoy, Fairmont, Raffles, and Accor hotels (friends & family rates included)
  • 50% off at American & Beaufort Bars, Afternoon Tea, spa, florist, and select Gordon Ramsay restaurants
  • 20% off at other Gordon Ramsay restaurants and Restaurant 1890
• Free stay for two at The Savoy after successful probation
• Colleague restaurant, gym, interfaith prayer room and wellness room
• Laundry services
• Cashback for wellbeing/healthcare expenses; HSF & Perkbox
• Employee assistance program
• Virgin Active and The Gym Group membership discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Season ticket loan for commuting
• Annual optician reimbursements of £100
• Local discounts for F&B and retail