Head Sommelier — MA/NA (Opening January 2026)
Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair
About MA/NA
Opening in January 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is
born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible
power — a life-force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it.
‘Mana’ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the
surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into
experience, and a meal into memory.
Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of
restaurant and bar — refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail,
wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner
naturally returns to drinks.
Every element — from design and service to sound and light —
is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
The Role — Head Sommelier
As Head Sommelier at MA/NA, you will curate and lead an
exceptional beverage programme that celebrates the harmony between wine, sake,
and Japanese cuisine.
You will be responsible for developing and maintaining a
world-class cellar — one that reflects refinement, discovery, and respect for
craftsmanship. You’ll guide guests and team members alike through a journey of
flavour and philosophy, connecting them to the story and energy behind each
bottle.
Working closely with the kitchen and bar teams, you’ll
ensure perfect synergy between dishes, cocktails, and pairings, elevating every
moment of the guest experience.
This is a leadership role suited to a Sommelier who embodies
curiosity, precision, and emotional intelligence — someone who understands that
the right pairing can transform a meal into memory.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee
all aspects of the wine and sake programme, from sourcing and selection to
service and education
* Curate
an innovative, balanced list featuring both iconic producers and artisanal
discoveries
* Develop
a premium sake offering and lead guest education around Japanese beverages
* Collaborate
closely with the Executive Chef and Head of Wine & Sake to craft
harmonious food and drink pairings
* Train
and mentor the sommelier and front-of-house teams to deliver expert yet
intuitive service
* Manage
cellar stock, cost controls, and supplier relationships
* Represent
MA/NA at industry tastings, events, and collaborations
What We’re Looking For
* Proven
experience as a Head Sommelier or Senior Sommelier in a fine dining or
high-end environment
* Deep
understanding of international wine regions, producers, and styles
* Strong
knowledge of sake, ideally with WSET Sake Level 3 or equivalent
certification
* A
refined palate and passion for Japanese cuisine and beverage culture
* Exceptional
guest communication and storytelling ability
* Strong
organisational skills and a calm, confident approach to leadership
* A
desire to help shape one of London’s most exciting new openings
What We Offer
* Competitive
salary and service charge package
* Opportunity
to lead the wine and sake programme for a flagship opening within the
Thesleff Group
* Collaboration
with world-class chefs and bar professionals
* Continued
training, tasting, and professional development
* Staff
meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working
environment
Join the MA/NA Opening Team
If you are guided by balance, curiosity, and craft — and
want to shape a beverage experience where emotion meets precision — we’d love
to hear from you.