At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative dishes and manage kitchen operations at a top-rated pub.
- Company: Join Ardent Pub Group, a celebrated and community-driven hospitality leader.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private healthcare, training opportunities, and fun staff events.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, inclusion, and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef with strong culinary and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Group At Ardent Pub Group, everything starts with people. Whether you’re walking into one of our pubs or joining our team, you’ll be met with genuine warmth. We build pubs that are rooted in their communities, driven by purpose and built to last. We operate three acclaimed pubs – The George (Fitzrovia), The Cadogan Arms (Chelsea), and The Hound (Chiswick) – each rooted in tradition but full of fresh energy. Named Food‑Led Pub Group of the Year at the 2024 R200 Awards, with The Cadogan Arms and The George both featured in the Top 100 Gastropubs list, we’ve also won the 2026 Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards – cementing our reputation for leading the way in exceptional pub dining. As hospitality’s highest‑scoring B‑Corp certified company, we’re committed to doing business the right way – balancing exceptional guest experiences with meaningful social and environmental impact. Our culture is just as important as our performance, which is why we’re proud to be recognised in CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work 2025 and Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. Our mission is to deliver the gold standard of public houses – where quality food, drink, and service create exceptional experiences. If that resonates, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits And Culture
- Group & External Partners Dining Discount up to 50%
- Private Healthcare with Vitality after 1 year service (40% off with Virgin Active, PureGym & Nuffield Gyms)
- Employee of the Month Awards
- £1000 Values Award every quarter
- 24/7 GP & EAP Access
- Freshly cooked team meals everyday
- Employee Referral Bonus up to £800
- WSET Training
- Industry leading training & onboarding
- Supplier trips
- Twice yearly staff parties
- 1 paid day per year to donate to a charity of your choosing
- CODE Membership
- Hospitality Rewards Enhanced Membership Package
- Wellbeing & EAP Support including 1 on 1 sessions
- LOS, Bday, Maternity, Paternity, Wedding Gifts
- Bespoke coaching and training courses
The Position
We're looking for an admin‑savvy Sous Chef, who will play a pivotal role in delivering consistently high‑quality, innovative dishes at The Cadogan Arms and ensuring the back of house operations run smoothly. Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll contribute to menu development while helping to manage the day‑to‑day kitchen. This includes overseeing prep schedules, stock control, budgeting, and kitchen maintenance, as well as leading, developing, and motivating the kitchen team. We’re looking for a passionate, organised and driven Sous Chef who thrives in a quality‑focused, fast‑paced environment.
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef within a high‑quality restaurant or pub
- A strong understanding of food trends, seasonality, and quality produce
- A creative, detail‑driven approach to cooking and presentation
- Proven experience managing, training, and motivating a kitchen team
- Strong admin skills, with confidence in scheduling, managing, and reviewing staff rotas
- A solid working knowledge of health & safety, food hygiene, and compliance procedures
A typical working week may look like 5 working days, including 3 single shifts and 2 double shifts. As with most roles in hospitality, shift patterns may vary depending on business needs. If you’re ambitious, passionate about great food, and looking to progress your career within a respected and growing pub group, we’d love to hear from you.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At Ardent Pub Group, the greatest welcome isn’t just something we give to our guests – it’s something we extend to everyone who walks through our doors. Our pubs are built on warmth, character and community, and that only works when the people who make them thrive feel respected, valued and able to be themselves. We believe that a diverse team makes for a better pub: richer ideas, better problem‑solving, more creativity and a stronger connection to the communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t an initiative for us – it’s part of how we operate every day.
Sous Chef employer: Ardent Pub Group | B Corp
At Ardent Pub Group, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that fosters a warm and inclusive work environment. As a Sous Chef, you'll not only enjoy competitive benefits like up to 50% dining discounts and private healthcare after one year, but also have access to industry-leading training and development opportunities. Our commitment to quality and community is reflected in our recognition as one of the happiest places to work, making it an ideal setting for passionate culinary professionals looking to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ardent Pub Group | B Corp. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ardent Pub Group | B Corp
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ardent Pub Group | B Corp directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ardent Pub Group | B Corp and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent Pub Group | B Corp
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
