Sommelier

7 Kensington Mall, London, W8 4EB, UNITED KINGDOM

Set across three floors of a characterful Notting Hill townhouse, Nakimushi brings together ramen, Japanese cooking, brilliant drinks and warm, energetic hospitality.

We care deeply about the details, but we never want service to feel stiff or over-rehearsed. Our aim is to create a restaurant full of personality: a place where exceptional food and drink are served with knowledge, generosity and a genuine sense of fun.

As we build the Nakimushi team during an exciting new chapter, we're looking for a talented Sommelier / Wine Lead to help shape our drinks culture.

The role

As Sommelier / Wine Lead, you'll be a senior and specialist member of the front-of-house team. You'll bring the drinks programme to life through thoughtful recommendations, confident service and infectious enthusiasm.

You'll guide guests through our wine and drinks lists in a way that feels personal and approachable, whether they're searching for an iconic bottle, discovering a new producer or exploring sake and other Japanese drinks for the first time.

Alongside delivering memorable service, you'll help develop the knowledge and confidence of the wider team. You'll lead by example, share what you know generously and help create the standards, systems and culture that will support Nakimushi as it grows.

We want to hear from you if you:

Genuinely love wine, food, restaurants and hospitality

Have strong practical knowledge of Europe's classic fine-wine regions-and get excited about producers, vineyards and lieux-dits

Are curious about sake, shochu and the wider world of Japanese drinks, or are eager to develop your knowledge

Have experience as a Sommelier, Wine Lead or in a similar role within a fast-paced, quality-led restaurant

Can make detailed wine knowledge feel engaging, relevant and free from pretension

Understand correct wine service, storage, cellar organisation, stock control and list accuracy

Listen carefully and recommend bottles that suit each guest's tastes, occasion and budget

Thrive during busy services while remaining calm, organised and attentive

Bring warmth, personality and generosity to every interaction

Obsess over the details and consistently aim for excellence

Enjoy supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge with the wider team

What you'll be doing

Delivering knowledgeable, warm and engaging wine service throughout every shift

Helping guests navigate the wine and drinks lists with confidence

Recommending pairings that complement Nakimushi's ramen and Japanese cooking

Introducing guests to exciting wines, producers, regions, sake and Japanese drinks

Maintaining excellent standards of glassware, presentation, temperature and bottle service

Supporting the organisation, rotation and accurate management of cellar stock

Monitoring availability and ensuring the wine list remains accurate

Assisting with stock counts, deliveries, transfers, wastage and the investigation of discrepancies

Contributing to list development, tastings, supplier relationships and commercial performance

Creating clear, practical training that builds the drinks knowledge of the wider team

Working closely with the kitchen, bar, management and front-of-house teams

Supporting the floor wherever needed and contributing fully to the rhythm of service

Helping establish strong systems and standards as part of a new and evolving restaurant

Helping shape the wine and drinks culture of an exciting new Japanese restaurant

Creating memorable guest experiences with Nakimushi's distinctive combination of warmth, energy and precision

Working alongside a talented team that takes food, drinks and hospitality seriously without taking itself too seriously

Pairing an evolving Japanese menu with exceptional wines, sake and other carefully selected drinks

Expanding your palate through regular tastings, masterclasses and producer events

Learning from inspiring winemakers, suppliers and drinks specialists

Sharing your knowledge and helping the wider team grow in confidence

Being part of an ambitious, constantly evolving group with genuine opportunities for progression

Support for your development goals, whether you're pursuing further qualifications, competitions or deeper specialist knowledge

• Competitive remuneration and an excellent benefits package and discounts across our businesses

Screening Questions

• Do you have experience in a similar role?
• Will your commute be 20 minutes or less?
• Describe your customer service experience