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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, manage daily operations, and contribute to menu development.
- Company: The Woolpack Inn is a beautifully restored pub focused on fresh, seasonal food and local produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, tips, and opportunities for career growth in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team during an exciting relaunch and make a real impact on culinary direction.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience in a quality kitchen; strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Work with ingredients sourced from our on-site Market Garden in a stunning rural location.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you a passionate and ambitious chef ready to step into a leadership role in a dynamic, high-quality kitchen? Do you thrive in a countryside pub that celebrates fresh, seasonal food and local produce? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Join the Culinary Team at the Reimagined Woolpack Inn: Heritage, Hospitality, and Fresh Thinking
Located in the picturesque village of Totford, Hampshire, The Woolpack Inn is a beautifully restored Grade I listed pub with rooms, blending historical charm with refined modern touches. Following a significant refurbishment, we are reopening with renewed energy and a bold culinary vision.
A New Chapter: Stunning Refurbishment & Fresh Ambitions
Recent enhancements have transformed the inn, with extended kitchen facilities, an elegant new decking area with pergola and canopy, and carefully curated landscaping. Our on-site Market Garden now brings ultra-local, organic produce right to the kitchen door, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and field-to-fork dining.
Our Kitchen Ethos
Led by Head Chef Luke, our kitchen is built on passion, precision, and produce. We’re proud to hold Two AA Rosettes, and our goal is to push culinary boundaries while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of a true country pub. Every dish is thoughtfully created using the best of Hampshire’s seasonal ingredients.
Why Join Us as Sous Chef?
- Be part of a highly motivated kitchen team at an exciting time of relaunch
- Work in a menu-led, produce-driven environment with real creative input
- Collaborate directly with the Head Chef and growers in our Market Garden
- Gain hands-on experience in developing a destination dining venue
- Help shape the culinary direction of a venue with serious aspirations
The Role
As Sous Chef, you’ll be the right hand to the Head Chef, playing a crucial role in the daily running of the kitchen and stepping up to lead the team when needed. From prep to plating, staff mentoring to stock control, you’ll be central to the kitchen’s success — and our guests’ experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting the Head Chef in daily service, prep, and kitchen management
- Leading the brigade during busy services and in the Head Chef’s absence
- Upholding and evolving our food standards and kitchen systems
- Helping train and mentor junior chefs in technique and safety
- Managing kitchen hygiene, allergens, ordering, and stock rotation
- Contributing to menu development with creative, seasonal ideas
What We’re Looking For:
- A confident, talented Sous Chef (or ambitious Junior Sous ready to step up)
- At least 2 years’ experience in a quality-driven kitchen
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Passion for sustainability, seasonality, and working with local produce
- High standards in cleanliness, organisation, and attention to detail
- Cool under pressure, team player, and hands-on attitude
What You’ll Get:
- Competitive salary plus generous tips
- The chance to be part of an exciting relaunch with real responsibility
- A kitchen that values skill, growth, and creativity
- The opportunity to work with ingredients grown just metres from your stove
- A beautiful rural location with a loyal and growing customer base
- Genuine scope to grow your career within a forward-thinking, independent business
This is more than a job — it’s a chance to help shape something special. If you’re ready to take the next step in your culinary journey, we’d love to meet you.
Sous Chef - The Woolpack Inn employer: Butcombe Group Careers
Contact Detail:
Butcombe Group Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - The Woolpack Inn
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Woolpack Inn's culinary ethos and menu. Understanding their focus on seasonal, local produce will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you led under pressure or mentored junior chefs.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the local food scene in Hampshire and be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to the pub's commitment to sustainability and field-to-fork dining.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with other culinary professionals who may have insights about The Woolpack Inn. Personal connections can sometimes provide valuable information that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - The Woolpack Inn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality-driven kitchens. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your passion for seasonal and local produce.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role at The Woolpack Inn. Mention specific aspects of their culinary ethos that resonate with you, such as sustainability and creativity in menu development.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've contributed to kitchen management, staff training, and menu development in previous roles. Highlight any achievements that demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
Express Your Passion: Convey your passion for cooking and working with fresh, local ingredients. Share any personal experiences or philosophies that align with The Woolpack Inn's commitment to field-to-fork dining.
How to prepare for a job interview at Butcombe Group Careers
✨Show Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for using seasonal and local produce during the interview. Share any experiences you have with sourcing ingredients or working in a farm-to-table environment, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Woolpack Inn.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead the kitchen team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or mentored junior chefs in the past. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain high standards.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Ideas
Since the role involves contributing to menu development, come prepared with creative ideas that reflect seasonal ingredients. This shows your initiative and understanding of the culinary direction the pub is aiming for.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Cleanliness and Organisation
The job requires high standards in cleanliness and organisation. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining hygiene and managing stock rotation, as well as any systems you've implemented in previous roles to ensure a smooth-running kitchen.
