The Tea Sommelier is the specialist guardian of the tea programme within the Bar & Beverage team, responsible for curating, preparing, presenting and selling a distinctive tea experience that complements the venue’s food, service style and overall brand. In a premium restaurant, club or lounge, this role elevates tea from a standard offering to a memorable ritual, contributing to guest satisfaction, revenue generation and the venue’s reputation for quality.
- Position in the organisation: The Tea Sommelier sits within the Bar & Beverage department and works closely with service, culinary and management teams to ensure tea is integrated into the guest journey at the right moments, from welcome service and afternoon service through to after-dinner offerings. Depending on the operation, the role typically reports to the Bar Manager, Beverage Manager or Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.
- Key responsibilities:
- Design, maintain and refine the tea menu to suit the concept, season and guest profile.
- Source and evaluate teas, botanicals and related products in line with quality and cost standards.
- Prepare and serve teas with precision, using the correct water temperature, steeping time, brewing method and serviceware.
- Recommend pairings with desserts, savouries and tasting menus, and confidently upsell premium teas and tea-based experiences.
- Train front-of-house colleagues on tea knowledge, tasting notes, service standards and guest recommendations.
- Monitor stock levels, storage conditions, product rotation and waste to protect quality and profitability.
- Handle guest questions, special requests and complaints with professionalism, warmth and product expertise.
- What success looks like: The ideal Tea Sommelier is polished, highly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about tea, with a refined palate and strong attention to detail. They combine technical skill with excellent guest interaction, selling ability and consistency under pressure. Strong organisation, clear communication and the ability to inspire colleagues are essential, along with a service mindset that makes every tea moment feel personal, thoughtful and memorable.