Wine Waiter Review

I'm wine waiter for our Afternoon Tea Salon, but also, I work with the event department. My job consists of waitering, focus mainly on wine service during the events. I also train my colleague on the wines we sell (how wine is made, what are the regions, grapes...). As a senior waiter, I often give my advices and explain to new staffs how to do the job from BOH to FOH or bars. I have got a multi-task job where I, one day work behind the bar, another day on event, and sometimes, work on event and the restaurant on the same day. I could be working alone reorganizing the stock, or preparing trainings in the office. But also, work within a team and organise and drive my colleagues in the preparations of an event.

I did a Team leader L2 apprenticeship, it helps me on how to build a relationship with my colleagues, how to understand them, how to motivate them, how to organise work. I also got a Wine diploma which gave me my knowledge in wine. Combine with the apprenticeship, it helps me to train my colleagues and get there attention. I received a coffee and tea training, giving me more knowledge in beverages, completing my overall F&B skills followed by a cocktail training, where am able to mix. All this trainings I received permit with,my NVQ, to share them to my colleagues in an appropriate way.

I love learning new things, as soon as I am aware of any trining I will consider them seriously and probably ask to receive it. Even if it is on my free time. After every trainings I am proud of learning something new, and happy to share my experience with colleagues, and my turn, I can develop them. My company is really base on a family relationship, where we know everyone and we are listening to each no matter which department we are working.

Fortnum and Mason is well-known is the UK, also, very prestigious and one of the oldest brand in UK. We are proud of working for such an institution. Your colleagues and managers are always here to help you. And they are more than happy to listen to your ideas and what could be improve. If you have something to bring to the team, they are happy to put in place a training time where you can give your knowledge or experience. If you do more than your usual tasks, be sure that you managers or sometimes a director comes to you to thank you for your job. It's very rewarding.

My programme is clear and organized. Sometimes, I'm a bit lost on where it will bring me to. But then, when taking a breathe, and look overall, you get the bigger picture. At work, its very well done. You get induction, then an immersive programme of two weeks, where you learn step by step your work and the philosophy of the company. Your mentor is constantly waiting to help you in case you loosing yourself. Also, very understanding when you have to step down and focus on studying. You have a weekly performance review with your mentor, where they ask you how you feel and how you do at work, also asking if NVQ is going well with my Tutor.

I got a French woman, more accessible and available doesn't exist. You have a problem on workbook, just call her or email her. She is so helpful, she helps me to understand, give me the way of thinking. It is a pleasure to book session and spend two hours together in a café instead of work for learning or passing tests. She is listening me, also my little problems I can't deal at work. Its more than just passing my NVQ, its also, making sure you doing well, at work and in your private life too. She build my adult life and professional career in a way.

Because everyone are open-mind, you easily speak to all colleagues. You have an issue with you pay slip or training programme, no worries, just go in HR, they are lovely, and happy to help you. They will resolve your problem most of the times instantly. You don't feel confident with you work, ask your Mentor, or a manager. They love giving support and help you. You get a great support with performance reviews, meetings, briefings. However, if you have need support for a special task, it could be wine issue, the wine merchandiser is more than happy to help you, just ring him or go to his desk. Same, you need a special wrapping, see the warehouse, they will welcome you with a smile and guide you where to get things you need. That's Fortnum. We love helping each other.

Well, you are in London, one of the most expensive city in the world. Costs are high. You most likely to spend more than half of your salary in rent and transportation. The transport in London is very complexed and developed, you don't need a car at all. Also, it cost a fortune, its probably your second expenses after renting a bedroom in a 7 bedrooms house with strangers. Food is ok. You can find reasonable prices as much as restaurants. There is all prices for that. Same for bars, you can have a Gin & Tonic for £18 on a posh roof-top, and get a glass of champagne for less than £10 in a lovely hidden wine-bar. Don't expect to get high salaries unless you work in a special industry which requires a certain education. Life its not always easy to manage, but you are in a safe and fun city, that entertain you a lot. And you will never get bored.

Well, Fortnum is based on Piccadilly. It cannot be more central. Welcome in London! Very open-mind city and biggest of Europe. With many cultures and nationalities. There is a lot to do. Always something happening here, between events, festivals, exhibitions. You want to meet people, that's the city for it. You want to be part of clubs, do courses, studies, shopping, gym, classes, make new friend perhaps. There is evenings and events you can meet people and find mates. I always liked walking to Royal gardens after work, or walking along the Thames or watching a live show in a bues bar after having some street food in Camden Town.

Yes

It's an institution, also very English and traditional. It's a good school to learn manners, and professional life. Build-up your skills. As a department store, you can reach many skills, from hospitality to retail via head office. You can learn about tea, or hampers, food such as our scotch egg or afternoon tea. You will enjoy the entire team as very nice and always open-mind. It's very common to see people from retail going in head office or hospitality seeing the warehouse... That's make Fortnum, a unique company on human relations.

Just be Yourself! We want personality, that's what define Fortnum. Because you can be who you are, and give an unique experience to the customer. People always highlight the fact than fortnum got such a natural staff, and that's make them so comfortable when coming in the shop for browsing or for afternoon tea. Show your motivation and that you are ready to learn new things and want to support and bring your personal skills to others. It's all about being yourself and sharing experience to improve the culture and then the service.