Behind the scenes with our Group Director of Bars and Beverage, Sean Kelly

The path from basketball coach to wine connoisseur via a degree in International Politics may seem an unlikely one, but for Sean Kelly it’s all in a day’s work – not least because he’s inspired by dynamic environments and team effort…

Tell us how you came to work in hospitality?

I’m from upstate New York and I had a former career as a collegiate basketball coach. From there, I moved to Belfast, where I obtained a Master’s degree in International Politics from Queen’s University. While interning at the UN in New York, I started to work in bars and was instantly drawn to the dynamism of the industry. But it’s fair to say that hospitality is probably in the blood; two of my brothers work in the same field.

How did you cultivate your passion for wine?

I’ve worked in both small bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, from New York and Sydney to London, but the one constant has always been a passion for wine and cocktail curation, whether natural wines in a bar in Australia or choosing indigenous Italian options for a simple farm-to-table restaurant in New York. It’s a passion that I’ve been able to cultivate with The Wolseley Hospitality Group. I’ve supplemented that interest with formal training, including a WSET qualification, and plenty of experience, which has helped me educate our team.

What was your criteria for creating the wine list at Bellanger?

Our food offering has evolved from Alsatian and Parisian dishes to fresher, lighter Mediterranean plates, and so our wines are chosen to match that spirit. For us, that means working with the small producers that hug Southern Europe’s coast, from Provence to eastern Spain and Sicily to Sardinia. Alongside the wines that many of us know and love, such as Picpoul or Chablis, we’ve spotlighted artisans producing wines from lesser-known grape varieties or well-loved wines from upcoming producers.

What do you look for when choosing a producer?

We love to work with small-batch artisans who make culinary-friendly wines – those that are immensely drinkable and a little lighter in alcohol. That often means partnering with domains rather than big brands. Some of my current favourites on the Bellanger menu include a Crémant de Limoux Rosé from Domaine Collin in the Languedoc, Bandol Rosé from Domaine de la Bégude, a beautiful Rosato, produced by Belguardo on the Tuscan coast, and ‘Old Vines’ White Blend from Mullineux, a small supplier from Swartland, South Africa.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It’s varied! My job pulls together many strands, from supporting our bar teams across all sites, curating wine and beverage menus, recruiting and training staff, handling admin, visiting wine producers abroad and hosting them at our restaurant. It also involves tailoring the beverage offering at our new openings. I live in Deptford, an up-and-coming area where there are a lot of new restaurants, so I also like to take inspiration from what I eat and drink in my daily life. That makes me reimagine the classics in a new way.

What element of your role do you find most satisfying?

Believe it or not, wine tastings are not necessarily my favourite part of the job! For me, it’s the interpersonal skills that I can bring into play from my previous experience. Just like when I was a basketball coach, it’s about making sure that as a team, we have clear goals and that we’re all aligned in trying to achieve them, because that’s the only way to ensure a positive outcome – in this case, satisfying or surprising the palate of every guest. Motivating the team or guiding a customer in their wine choices is very fulfilling for me.

Do you have any wine and food pairings that you’d recommend from the Bellanger menu?

An effortless pairing of food and wine is at the heart of what we do. Our menu features beautifully cooked, simple Mediterranean dishes and in the summer for example, tomatoes feature heavily. So, I love a lighter red such as a Sicilian Frappato with our Heritage Tomato Panzanella or a Bandol Rosé with our classic Grilled Chicken Paillard. Wines that are light, fresh and fruity feel at home in the relaxed atmosphere of Bellanger.