Head Sommelier Fallow London Competitive industry pay

Fallow Restaurants Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading London restaurant is seeking an experienced Head Sommelier to elevate its dynamic wine program and enhance guest experiences. This role includes curating a diverse wine list, leading a dedicated team, and promoting sustainability in beverage service. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in a high-calibre, service-focused environment and a WSET Level 3 or equivalent certification. Join a progressive team where creativity and excellence meet, offering competitive salary and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression

Continuous Learning and Development

Wellbeing initiatives

Staff meal during your shift

Discounts across the group

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a high-calibre, service-led environment.
• Deep knowledge of global wine regions, with a passion for sustainability.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve Fallow’s wine program, aligning with sustainable practices.
• Curate and manage an innovative, responsibly sourced wine list.
• Provide engaging and informative service to guests.

Skills

Leadership and mentoring

Guest interaction

Operational acumen

Knowledge of global wine regions

Passion for sustainability

Education

WSET Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Fallow was founded by three individuals in May 2019, two chefs Jack Croft and William Murray, and career hospitality entrepreneur James Robson. The essence of this combination makes up much of Fallows DNA, where conscious culinary creativity meets hospitality experience and passion. Fallow’s permanent home in St James’s market was established in November 2021 and has since attracted a string of awards including both the Marie Claire and GQ ‘sustainable restaurant of the year’ and the Caterer award for ‘best new restaurant’.

Fallow 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 Fallow.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and evolve Fallow’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,, 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.

The 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 FALLOW, 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.