At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef and lead kitchen operations in a vibrant country pub.
- Company: The Winton, a beloved community-focused eatery in East Lothian.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent tips, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Great work-life balance with opportunities for career growth in a thriving business.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic kitchen and shape an evolving food offering with creative seasonal dishes.
- Qualifications: Experience in classic British and modern cookery, plus strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
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 Tranent employer: Caledonian Heritable Ltd
The Winton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of East Lothian. As a Sous Chef, you'll not only enjoy a competitive salary and excellent tips but also benefit from a strong focus on work-life balance and opportunities for career growth within a community-driven pub known for its quality and consistency. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values creativity, mentorship, and a positive kitchen culture.
