Head Sommelier
Location: Midsummer House, Cambridge
Reports to: Restaurant Director
Holiday: 5 weeks holiday (inclusive of 2 weeks over Christmas, 1 week in Spring and 2 weeks in Summer)
Hours of work: Wednesday to Saturday – hours to suit business
This full time job is 4-days a week. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday. Flexibility to work shifts between all specified days is required.
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum, plus service charge
About Midsummer House
Nestled on the banks of the River Cam, Midsummer House is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Daniel Clifford. We are renowned for our refined modern British cuisine, exceptional service, and a deep commitment to excellence in every detail. We are now seeking an outstanding Head Sommelier to lead our wine program and contribute to our continued legacy of excellence.
Role Overview
As Head Sommelier, you will be the driving force behind our wine program, managing a carefully curated cellar, guiding guests through world-class pairings, and training the front-of-house team to deliver an exceptional wine experience that complements our tasting menus. You will work closely with Chef Daniel Clifford and the leadership team to ensure that wine enhances every aspect of the guest journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the wine program in alignment with the restaurant’s identity and cuisine
- Curate and manage a wine list of approximately 600+ bins, including old-world and new-world selections, rare vintages, and niche producers
- Oversee wine service during lunch and dinner services, ensuring precision and elegance
- Manage the wine cellar: stock control, ordering, budgeting, and supplier relationships
- Collaborate with the kitchen on wine pairings for seasonal tasting menus
- Train and mentor the front-of-house team on wine knowledge, service standards, and upselling techniques
- Host and lead occasional wine events, tastings, and supplier visits
- Maintain compliance with all licensing, health, and safety standards
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as Head or Senior Sommelier in a Michelin-starred or equivalent fine-dining environment
- Extensive wine knowledge with emphasis on food and wine pairing
- WSET Level 3 or Diploma (or CMS Advanced or equivalent)
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability
- Excellent communication and guest-facing skills
- A passion for hospitality, innovation, and excellence
- High standards of organisation, record-keeping, and stock control
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + service charge
- Opportunities for travel, tastings, and professional development
- Work in a supportive and passionate team at one of the UK’s leading restaurants
- Unique chance to shape one of the country’s most respected wine programs
Midsummer House are equal opportunities employers, we value diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £55,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person