The Beer Sommelier / Cicerone is the resident beer expert within the Bar & Beverage team, responsible for elevating the guest experience through exceptional beer knowledge, thoughtful service, and well-curated recommendations. This role combines product expertise, hospitality, and salesmanship to ensure beer is presented with the same level of care and professionalism as wine or spirits. In a restaurant, club, or lounge, the Beer Sommelier / Cicerone helps shape beer menus, trains service teams, and guides guests toward selections that complement the food, mood, and occasion.
- Organisational position and reporting line:
This role sits within the Bar & Beverage department and typically reports to the Bar Manager, Beverage Manager, or General Manager, depending on the venue structure. It works closely with the kitchen, floor service team, purchasing, and marketing functions to support beverage strategy and guest satisfaction.
- Key responsibilities:
- Curate, recommend, and present beer offerings that suit the venue’s concept and guest profile.
- Maintain deep product knowledge across styles, brewing methods, origins, tasting notes, and food pairings.
- Support menu development, seasonal rotations, tap selection, bottle list planning, and pricing guidance.
- Train bartenders, servers, and hosts on beer service standards, tasting language, and upselling techniques.
- Ensure correct storage, handling, pouring, glassware, and presentation to protect quality and consistency.
- Engage guests confidently, answer questions, and create memorable tasting experiences.
- Monitor stock levels, quality, waste, and supplier performance in coordination with the beverage team.
- What success looks like:
A successful Beer Sommelier / Cicerone is passionate, highly knowledgeable, and guest-focused, with strong communication skills and a polished service style. They are detail-oriented, commercially aware, and comfortable educating others without being intimidating. The best performers can balance technical beer expertise with warm hospitality, helping the venue build credibility, drive beverage sales, and create a distinctive guest experience.