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Jonathan Kleeman

Wine Consultant & Hospitality Operations Specialist at Jonathan Kleeman
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An esteemed professional in the hospitality industry, Jonathan has honed his expertise over an impressive 18-year career. His journey, filled with rich experiences, has included roles in renowned establishments such as the Ritz Hotel, Social Eating House, Four Degree, Orwells and others. Beyond his on-the-ground work, Jonathan has showcased his prowess by consulting for private and multinational companies and participating in prestigious wine competitions.

Currently, Jonathan runs his own consultancy, JK Wine Consultancy, offering a range of services including beverage program development, wine buying, sommelier services, hospitality operations consulting and events. He also serves as a Consulting Wine Buyer and Sommelier for the Story Group, which encompasses highly acclaimed Restaurant Story in London (boasting 2 Michelin Stars and 5 Rosettes), Dovetail in Mayfair, and Story Cellar in Covent Garden.

Having completed the Court of Master Sommelier and ASI level 3 certifications, Jonathan's qualifications speak volumes about his proficiency. Beyond his hands-on industry involvement, he is a respected voice in the field and has been regularly featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, NewsWeek, The Times, and Refinery29 and others for his insightful views on hospitality trends and advancements. Always at the forefront of innovation, Jonathan maintains a keen interest in exploring and understanding the potential applications of blockchain technology within the hospitality sector.

Through JK Wine Consultancy, Jonathan extends his expertise to other hospitality businesses, offering comprehensive operations services alongside his specialized knowledge in all beverages, wine buying, and sommelier services.

Employment
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  • Jonathan Kleeman
    Wine Consultant & Hospitality Operations Specialist
    started Sep 2024
  • Hospitality Hiring: Expert Insights on Attracting and Retaining Talent
    Jonathan emphasizes the importance of "common sense" and communication in customer-facing roles. Transparency and clear progression paths attract top talent, while engagement and tailored training reduce turnover. "Culture fit is everything," he notes, with evolving team dynamics shaping it. Career development fosters loyalty, even if employees move on, enhancing reputation and network strength.
  • Rethinking Alcohol's Role in Cancer: A Consultant's Perspective
    Jonathan notes, "The UK, with higher alcohol consumption, has lower cancer rates than the US." He suggests other factors may be more significant in cancer incidence, urging a reevaluation of resources. Jonathan also offers insights into alcohol consumption trends during celebrations, questioning the effectiveness of public health campaigns focused solely on alcohol.
  • UK Drinks Expert Highlights Top No and Low-Alcohol Festive Picks
    Jonathan notes, "No- and low-alcohol options are now popular as consumers seek quality without compromise." He recommends Pentire Adrift for botanical cocktails, Noughty sparkling wines for toasts, and Lucky Saint non-alcoholic beers for hearty meals. Spiced mulled apple cider and Pentire's sparkling waters offer festive warmth and refreshment.
Recent Quotes
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  • Red wine glasses are larger than white wine glasses, and this set from Riedel works well for a wide range of red varietals. Riedel was the first trendsetter of the modern wine glass era, using science to both produce and design wine glasses that enhance the flavor profile of different wines. Riedel still has the widest range of different style glass at the top level.

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