At a Glance
- Tasks: Run a busy kitchen section, ensuring high-quality French bistro dishes.
- Company: Join Bordelaise, a vibrant independent French bistro group in Surrey.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, staff meals, discounts, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive kitchen culture with genuine career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team and elevate your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a sous chef or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
About Us
Bordelaise is an independent French bistro group with two sites in Surrey Surbiton and Ewell. We serve honest, produce-led French bistro cooking in a warm, buzzing neighbourhood setting. We're a small, close-knit team that takes food seriously without taking itself too seriously.
The Role
We're looking for a skilled and reliable Chef de Partie to run a section on our busy Surbiton line. You'll work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef to deliver consistent, high-quality food during fast-paced services, while helping maintain the standards and energy that make Bordelaise's kitchen a good place to work.
Key Responsibilities
- Run an assigned section (e.g. sauce, grill, garde manger, or pastry) to a consistently high standard during full service
- Prepare mise en place ahead of service in line with recipe specs and portion control
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards at all times
- Communicate clearly with the pass and other sections to ensure smooth, well-timed service
- Support stock rotation, labelling, and minimising wastage on your section
- Assist with training and supervising commis chefs and kitchen porters as required
- Help maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment
- Contribute ideas for specials and seasonal menu development
- Step in to cover other sections when needed
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a sous chef (or a strong Chef de Partie ready to step up) in a busy, quality-focused kitchen
- Genuine interest in French or European bistro cooking
- Solid knife skills and understanding of classic techniques
- Calm, organised, and able to perform under pressure during service
- A team player with a positive attitude and good communication skills
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or willingness to obtain)
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly rate, dependent on experience
- Staff meals on shift
- Generous staff discount across both Bordelaise sites
- Genuine opportunities to progress within a growing, independent group
- A supportive, low-ego kitchen culture
To apply: please send your CV or drop it in at 97 Maple Road, Surbiton, KT6 4AW. Bordelaise is an equal opportunities employer.
Sous Chef in Surbiton employer: Bordelaise Surbiton
Bordelaise is an excellent employer for those passionate about French bistro cooking, offering a supportive and low-ego kitchen culture in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Surbiton and Ewell. With competitive pay, staff meals, and generous discounts, we prioritise employee growth and development within our close-knit team, making it a rewarding place to advance your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Surbiton
✨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 Bordelaise Surbiton. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bordelaise Surbiton
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bordelaise Surbiton 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 in Surbiton
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 Bordelaise Surbiton 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 Bordelaise Surbiton
✨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!
