Polly Mackarel
Sydney
Summary
Adept at elevating dining experiences, I worked for one of the most significant wine programs in the country for several years. Across 3 venues of The Bentley Group, most notably Cirrus Dining where I helped to grow the list to over 1000 lines and won 2023's Australian Wine List of the Year with the accompanying Judy Hirst Award. Most recently, I am working for Trippas White Group on the relaunch of Infinity by Mark Best, featuring an exclusively Australian wine list. My knack for supplier relations and trend awareness, coupled with a strong focus for fostering team growth, underscores my success in the hospitality sector.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Precinct Sommelier
Trippas White Group
10.2024 - Current
- Developed and maintained extensive beverage offerings including small-scale wine lists, Theatre bar menus and events packages at the Sydney Opera House, catering to varied tastes and price points.
- Hosted various events in the iconic Yallamundi Rooms, from fine-dining event 'Harvest of Purpose' with Brae's Dan Hunter, to International Women's Day featuring over 20 female winemakers.
Head Sommelier
King Clarence, The Bentley Group
12.2023 - 10.2024
- As a key team member before opening, I assisted with several aspects of restaurant development including order of service and guest expectations.
- Built the cellar and wine list offering over 700 bottles.
- Demonstrated expertise in rare and collectible wines, offering personal service for new and repeat group guests.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring access to high-quality wines at competitive prices.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, incorporating emerging regions and varietals into the wine selection.
- Performed regular stocktakes to maintain accurate records of stock levels and prevent discrepancies.
- Mentored junior sommeliers, fostering professional growth through hands-on guidance and constructive feedback.
- Increased wine sales by conducting staff training sessions on wine knowledge and service techniques.
Head Sommelier
Cirrus Dining, The Bentley Group
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Maintained and improved on the existing wine list to grow to over 1000 bottles.
- Optimized cellar conditions and organisation for optimal preservation and speed of service.
- Trained service staff on wines, spirits and cocktails to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Performed regular stocktakes to maintain accurate records of stock levels and prevent discrepancies.
- Led by example, setting high standards for service excellence and inspiring team members to consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences.
- Managed inventory effectively, resulting in reduced wastage and improved stock turnover.
- Worked with the Head Chef to create various pairings for degustation menus and special events.
Sommelier/Waiter
Monopole, The Bentley Group
11.2018 - 01.2020
Store Manager
Corks Out LTD
09.2016 - 10.2018
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Chef's Table
01.2016 - 09.2016
Company Trainer
Suburban Cocktails LTD
01.2012 - 01.2016
Education
A Levels - English - A, History - B & Religious Studies - B
Christleton High School
07.2013
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Wine list curation
- Pairing Expertise
- Cellar Management
- Organizational Skills
Certification
WSET Level 2 - Passed with Distinction
WSET Level 3 - Passed with Merit
Timeline
Precinct Sommelier
Trippas White Group
10.2024 - Current
Head Sommelier
King Clarence, The Bentley Group
12.2023 - 10.2024
Head Sommelier
Cirrus Dining, The Bentley Group
01.2020 - 12.2023
Sommelier/Waiter
Monopole, The Bentley Group
11.2018 - 01.2020
Store Manager
Corks Out LTD
09.2016 - 10.2018
Assistant Restaurant Manager
The Chef's Table
01.2016 - 09.2016
Company Trainer
Suburban Cocktails LTD
01.2012 - 01.2016
A Levels - English - A, History - B & Religious Studies - B
Christleton High School
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