At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in running a vibrant kitchen and create delicious seasonal dishes.
- Company: The Winton, a beloved country pub known for its quality and welcoming atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent tips, and a good work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a community-focused pub.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and grow your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in classic British and modern cookery, with strong leadership skills.
The Winton, a well-loved country pub in East Lothian, is looking for a passionate and committed Sous Chef to support the day-to-day running of the kitchen and help shape our evolving food offering. Opening four years ago, The Winton has quickly established itself as a destination eatery within the local community, known for quality, consistency, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll be the key link between senior leadership and the wider team. This is a hands-on role suited to a focused and reliable chef with a strong grounding in classic British and modern cookery, delivering pub classics done well alongside creative, seasonal gastropub dishes. We are a scratch kitchen focusing on flavour and seasonality. You'll play an important role in maintaining these standards while helping to develop junior chefs and build a positive, supportive kitchen culture.
Key Responsibilities- Kitchen Operations
- Support the Head Chef in the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Lead service in the Head Chef's absence, ensuring calm, consistent delivery during busy periods
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and cleanliness
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and served in line with agreed specifications
- Team Leadership & Development
- Act as the bridge between the Head Chef and the kitchen team
- Train, support, and mentor junior chefs
- Promote a positive, hard-working, and respectful kitchen environment
- Rotas & Labour Control
- Assist with managing rotas and kitchen labour alongside the GM/Duty Manager
- Help control wage percentages and maintain efficient staffing levels
- Menu Planning & Development
- Contribute practical and creative menu ideas, reflecting seasonality and the style of a quality country pub
- Use the specials board to trial new dishes and refine them with the Head Chef
- Ensure recipes are followed consistently and accurately
- Support ongoing menu development
- Specifications & Standards
- Assist in maintaining the kitchen spec book
- Ensure consistency in portioning, plating, and overall dish standards
- Procurement & Cost Control
- Support ordering in line with suppliers, costings, and menu requirements
- Help manage GP and food costs through good prep, portion control, and waste reduction
- Assist with sourcing quality local produce
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety and health & safety standards (FSMS, HACCP, COSHH, CookSafe)
- Maintain allergen records and ensure team awareness
- Uphold best practices in hygiene, temperature control, and stock rotation
- Record Keeping & Administration
- Complete daily, weekly, and monthly food safety records
- Carry out probe checks and ensure equipment is properly maintained
- Ensure staff food is recorded correctly when leading shifts
- Stock Control
- Support stocktaking, including counts, wastage tracking, and reporting
- Maintain good stock rotation and minimise waste
What We Offer
- Competitive salary plus excellent tips/tronc
- A good work-life balance with minimal very early starts or late finishes
- A supportive team environment in a busy, community-focused country pub
- The opportunity to grow your career within a business that continues to develop year on year
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Sous Chef in Pencaitland employer: Caledonian Heritable Ltd
The Winton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of East Lothian. With a focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for aspiring chefs to hone their skills while working with quality local produce in a scratch kitchen. Our commitment to work-life balance and a positive team culture makes The Winton a rewarding place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Pencaitland
✨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 Caledonian Heritable Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Caledonian Heritable Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Caledonian Heritable Ltd 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 Pencaitland
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 Caledonian Heritable Ltd 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 Caledonian Heritable Ltd
✨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!
