Sommelier

About the role

The Beverage Team is responsible for delivering high-quality beverage experiences to guests while maintaining Honobono's standards of hospitality, product knowledge, presentation, and service. We are looking for passionate and service-oriented professionals to join our beverage team in the following positions: Bartender, Wine Sommelier, and Barista.

Key responsibilities

Bartender:

• Prepare and serve cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, soft drinks, and other beverages according to Honobono's standards

• Maintain consistency in recipes, presentation, portioning, and beverage quality

• Provide knowledgeable and engaging recommendations based on guest preferences

• Deliver warm, attentive, and professional service throughout the guest experience

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar, equipment, glassware, and service areas

• Complete bar opening and closing procedures

• Monitor beverage inventory and communicate stock requirements to the supervisor or manager

• Follow responsible alcohol service practices and company policies

• Maintain knowledge of Honobono's beverage menu, ingredients, recipes, and current promotions

• Work closely with the kitchen and service team to ensure smooth overall operations

Wine Sommelier:

• Provide professional wine recommendations based on guest preferences, food selections, and occasion

• Present and serve wine according to established service standards

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, styles, vintages, and producers

• Assist in developing and maintaining Honobono's wine selection

• Conduct wine service including presentation, opening, decanting, and appropriate glassware selection

• Assist guests with wine pairing recommendations

• Maintain proper wine storage conditions and organization

• Monitor wine inventory and assist with stock counts and purchasing recommendations

• Support wine-related events, tastings, and special dining experiences

• Monitor wine quality and report any issues with damaged, oxidized, or compromised bottles

Barista:

• Prepare espresso-based drinks and other coffee beverages to Honobono's standards

• Maintain consistency in extraction, milk steaming, and beverage quality

• Provide knowledgeable recommendations based on guest preferences

• Deliver warm, attentive, and professional service throughout the guest experience

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the coffee station, equipment, and service areas

• Complete coffee station opening and closing procedures

• Monitor coffee inventory and communicate stock requirements

• Maintain knowledge of Honobono's coffee menu, bean origins, roast profiles, and current offerings

• Work closely with the kitchen and service team to ensure smooth overall operations

About you

Bartender:

• Previous experience as a bartender in a restaurant, bar, hotel, lounge, or similar hospitality environment

• Good knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages

• Strong understanding of bar hygiene, mise en place, and service standards

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Positive attitude and strong guest-service mindset

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Good English communication skills

• Passion for beverages and continuous learning is highly valued

Wine Sommelier:

• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines — minimum requirement

• Previous experience in wine service, hospitality, restaurants, hotels, or wine-focused establishments

• Strong knowledge of international wine regions, grape varieties, and wine styles

• Excellent communication and guest engagement skills

• Ability to confidently explain wine characteristics in an approachable and understandable manner

• Strong attention to detail and professional presentation

• Good English communication skills

• Passion for wine and willingness to continuously develop wine knowledge

• Preferred: WSET Level 2 or equivalent wine qualification

• Preferred: Previous experience working in a sommelier or wine-focused role

Barista:

• Good understanding of espresso preparation, extraction, milk steaming, and basic coffee brewing methods

• Knowledge of coffee beans, origins, roast profiles, and basic coffee terminology

• Good understanding of barista equipment and daily cleaning procedures

• Strong attention to detail and consistency

• Good communication and customer-service skills

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

• Good English communication skills

• Passion for coffee and willingness to develop technical skills

About us

HonoBono Kissa is part of Chontea & Co., a hospitality concept inspired by the timeless charm of the Japanese kissaten. Our menu celebrates classic Japanese café nostalgia, bringing together familiar kissaten favourites with thoughtful craftsmanship. Beyond coffee and comfort food, HonoBono Kissa offers a selection of classic cocktails, premium whiskey, and fine wine, creating a space that naturally transitions from a relaxed daytime kissaten into an intimate evening gathering place. The atmosphere is an essential part of the experience. Jazz music and vinyl records set the mood, surrounding guests with a warm, nostalgic ambience inspired by the golden era of Japanese kissaten culture.