Jamie Smith

Sommelier

As a child growing up in the little town of Weston Turville in the UK, Jamie Smith developed a passion for many things-British football, the great outdoors and cooking.  At the tender age of 13, with the goal of ‘making a few quid,’ he got a job washing pots and pans in the local pub.  Watching the cooks, he decided that the work looked ‘fun."   He soon discovered his abilities were better served with guest interaction.  A career in the hospitality industry was about to be born.  Fast forward several years - Jamie has worked in restaurants throughout his childhood and is now attending the Sheffield University of Hospitality Management in preparation for a future not in the kitchen, but in the front of the house.

At Pure Hospitality’s Hook restaurant, Jamie has brought his outgoing personality as well as a deep interest and understanding of vintages and has developed a wine list featuring American and international wines; approachably priced bottles that can be enjoyed with Hook’s mostly seafood menu, but also with the variety of products showcased on the menu, including a meat item or two.  "I want to get away from the notion that you have to drink white wine with fish," Jamie says.  "I think you should drink what you enjoy.  The wine list at Hook is designed with a bunch of very approachable great wines that are enjoyable, yet won’t break the bank."

Prior to his arrival at Hook, Jamie’s tour of duty led him across the pond and back.  After completing his education, he served at Epcot Center’s British pub, Rose and Crown at Disneyworld.  He then returned to England to serve as assistant manager at Whitbread’s, a pub and restaurant.  In 2004, he ventured back to the US to be part of the opening management training team at indebleu - learning more and more about wines and spirits.  Once again returning to the UK, Jamie passed his first level sommelier certification.  Returning to DC shortly thereafter, Jamie became the assistant general manager at Veritas Wine Bar in Dupont Circle , and soon gaining his second level sommelier certification. 

In May 2008 he moved up to Cleveland Park to be the opening general manager of Enology Wine Bar.  Feeling his talents would be better used in restaurants he joined the team at Hook, beginning his tenure there as a server.

Now beverage director of the acclaimed restaurant in Georgetown, Jamie’s wine list, designed to perfectly match the menu, is available for guest’s to enjoy to the fullest…and they do.