⚜⚜⚜ UK | Durham - Sommelier f/m/d - Rockliffe Hall (New opening) - Premium Listing - (Your pairings, your storytelling — bring refined wine service to life in our newest dining space.)

Sommelier Job in Durham | Darlington

About Us & Role Overview:

Set within a 375‑acre estate on the banks of the River Tees, Rockliffe Hall is a five‑star resort where heritage, natural beauty, and quiet luxury meet. With sweeping views, elegant interiors, and a warm northern spirit, the resort offers guests a refined yet welcoming experience across its award‑winning spa, championship golf course, and distinctive dining venues.

We are seeking a guest‑focused, polished Sommelier to join our restaurant team and contribute to one of the resort’s signature dining experiences. Working closely with the Head Sommelier and front‑of‑house leadership, you will bring knowledge, poise, and genuine hospitality to every interaction.

This is a role for someone who thrives on presence, pacing, and connection — shaping memorable moments through thoughtful wine guidance and refined service.

Key Responsibilities:

Wine service excellence — Deliver polished, confident wine service across all service periods
Guest guidance — Tailor recommendations to guest preferences, knowledge levels, and dining style
Service pacing — Ensure wine service enhances, never interrupts, the guest journey
Presentation & etiquette — Uphold the highest standards of timing, etiquette, and attention to detail
Floor leadership — Act as the wine specialist on the restaurant floor, supporting seamless operations
Team collaboration — Work closely with management, service teams, and the kitchen to maintain cohesion
Guest engagement — Maintain a warm, visible presence and engage naturally with guests
Professional standards — Lead by example in composure, grooming, and service style
Team development — Support colleagues with wine knowledge and service techniques
Responsible service — Ensure full compliance with alcohol, health, safety, and hygiene standards

About You:

Strong foundation in wine knowledge; formal qualifications advantageous
Experience in a sommelier or wine‑focused role within a premium hospitality environment
Confident communicator with a natural, guest‑centred approach
Calm, polished, and detail‑driven — especially during busy services
Professional presence with a commitment to luxury hospitality standards
Eligible to work in the UK

Why Join Rockliffe Hall

Become part of a dedicated Food & Beverage team during an exciting period of growth and transformation within one of the UK’s leading luxury resorts.

What We Offer:

“A Day in the Life of a Guest Stay” — complimentary overnight stay within first 6 months
Pension Scheme (Aegon)
Hospitality Rewards Scheme
Life Assurance (Legal & General)
Private Medical Insurance (WPA)
Selected discounts across the resort
Enhanced annual leave for long service
20 days annual leave + bank holidays
Employee Assistance Programme (Hospitality Action)
Staff meals
Uniform laundry service
Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 per annum
Hours: 45 hours per week
Reports to: Restaurant Manager & Food & Beverage Manager

Facebook: click

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Condé Nast Johansens: click

AA Award - 5*****: click

TripAdvisor: click

The Telegraph: click

Leading Golf Courses: click

YouTube: click

Visit County Durham: click

Etiquette in the UK: click

Destinations:

Rockliffe Hall - Darlington to York: 44 miles | to Leeds: 56 miles | to Manchester: 111 miles | to Liverpool: 140 miles | to Edinburgh: 157 miles

Education: WSET Diploma, CMS Advanced/AIS, or equivalent certification

Accommodation: Assistance provided in finding accommodation

Work permit: A valid UK work visa is required for all candidates, except Sommeliers from Ireland, in accordance with the UK-Ireland CTA.

PLEASE, STAY AWAY FROM APPLYING IF YOU DON’T MEET THE REQUIREMENTS (i.e. Work Visa) MENTIONED ABOVE. THANK YOU!

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and passion for wine to: Mr Jonny Weetman (HR) at [email protected]

⚜️ When applying for any role, please mention Zeitgeist Sommelier-jobs.com. Thank you ⚜️

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