With a background in tourism and hospitality, Abdelilah joined Vinopolis in London in 2002 where he worked as a Wine Tour Guide, hosting private wine tasting events at the popular visitor attraction on the South Bank and on the London Eye. Keen to acquire experience in retail, he joined the Wine & Spirits department at Harrods before relocating to Dubai with MMI for the launch of their fine wine and luxury spirits store, Le Clos.

Upon returning to London, Abdelilah continued to develop his skills and knowledge whilst working at Fortnum & Mason and pursuing his qualification as a Sommelier in 2016, after which he immediately embarked on Cunard Queen Elizabeth II’s World Voyage, putting his newly acquired skills into practice in the numerous restaurants on board of the world-class cruise liner.

Since then, he has worked as a Sommelier in some of London’s best-known restaurants, including SushiSamba, Milos, Le Comptoir Robuchon and Coya where he is currently employed. Always eager to expand his knowledge, Abdelilah has also participated in several wine and sake tasting events and has been judging at the London Wine Competition since its first edition in 2018.