Wine Waiter / Wine Waitress
Lady of the Grapes is looking for a full-time Waitress / Waiter to join our new team from September in our Speak-Esay wine bar Forbidden Fruit.
About Us
We have just opened a new restaurant and wine bar near to London Bridge / Borough Market.
The first Lady of the Grapes, a wine bar and restaurant in Covent Garden, was founded in 2018 by Carole Bryon. Our new branch just one step away from Borough Market will feature a 70-seat restaurant and a separate 45-seat wine bar.
Lady of the Grapes is a French, ingredient-led restaurant and wine bar that showcases seasonal produce and organic, biodynamic, or natural, made exclusively by female winemakers.
Our wine list will features an about 400 wines to start from great vintages and producers, with wine tasting flights available for our guests.
We ensure our wine server has the opportunity to meet producers, attend tastings, and continue developing their knowledge and careers in wine.
The successful candidate will have strong wine knowledge, be passionate about natural wines and food, and possess personality, energy and excellent communication skills.
We are looking for someone motivated to support the long-term development of the business and grow with the company.
We particularly welcome applications from women and underrepresented groups in the industry, as we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity in hospitality.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate excellent knowledge of our wine list and provide the best recommendations to guests.
- Take food and wine orders and ensure guests are fully satisfied.
- Build strong relationships with regular guests.
- Maintain high service standards at all times.
- Ensure wine is always served in the correct glassware and in perfect condition.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the food menu and wines available by the glass and bottle.
- Participate in weekly stock taking with the team.
- Organise fridges, cellar and shelves for service.
- Communicate low or sold-out stock to the team.
- Keep the cellar tidy and organised.
- Anticipate stock needs for wines by the glass and manage rotation.
- Assist with selecting wines for the by-the-glass list or choosing a wine flight
- Present wines to guests, sharing wine stories and descriptions.
- Participate in tastings with suppliers and winemakers to help select wines for the list.
- Be reliable, supportive and a strong team player.
- Must have the right to work in the UK
Required Experience and Skills
- Experience as a wine waiter/waitress, sommelier, wine advisor, or in the wine industry
- Passion for wine and food pairing
- Interest in organic, biodynamic and natural wines
- Minimum WSET Level 2 required
- Calm under pressure
- Organised and tidy
- Able to maintain smooth service during busy periods
- Self-motivated with a positive “can-do” attitude
- Excellent customer service skills
- Passion for French food, cheese and charcuterie is a plus
- Strong communication skills
- Punctual and reliable
- Must have the right to work in the UK
What’s on Offer
- A fun, passionate and supportive management team that encourages you to grow and be yourself
- Employee referral scheme (up to £300 per successful referral)
- Pension scheme
- Flexible rota to help maintain work-life balance
- Full-time contract: 42 hours per week (evenings and most weekends required)
- 50% staff discount when dining in
- Cost price wines to take home
- Free fresh staff meals on duty
- 28 days holiday (or prorata)
- In-house wine training programmes
- Personal development plans and opportunities to grow with the company
If you think you’re up for the challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £15.00-£16.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Do you have a WSET level? If yes, which one? (don't apply if you don't have a good knowledge in wine)
Experience:
- Hospitality: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
