At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals at Kew Gardens.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in culinary experiences across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, personal development, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Access to discounts, social events, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values creativity and community in food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life. Our values - Craft, Creativity and Community - guide everything we do. They shape how we work together, how we support our partners, and how we make each guest feel welcome. If you care about food, people and doing things properly, you’ll feel right at home here.
We are looking for a Sous Chef to join our team at Kew gardens the orangery in London.
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week - 5 over 7 days
Location: Kew gardens the orangery, London, TW9 3AB (Onsite parking available)
Key responsibilities
- Oversee a daytime operation serving breakfast (10:00–11:30) and lunch (12:00–15:00 / 16:00 in high season)
- Deliver a food offer in line with a Farmer J–style concept
- Overall responsibility for managing a kitchen team of 6
- Ensure smooth day‑to‑day kitchen operations with meals provided
- Prepare and oversee all preparation of food to the highest standard
- Produce food in a timely manner to ensure smooth service
- Ensure all appropriate ingredients are available for the menus
- Develop and plan menus in line with client and customer expectations
- Be creative with menu planning, involving both client and customers
- Take pride in food quality and hygiene standards
- Provide feedback, support and coaching to the team
- Ensure the team has up-to-date COSHH and Food Hygiene training
Benefits
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Family friendly support
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- Volunteering days
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Company of Cooks officially formed part of CH&CO Catering Group Ltd in 2020.
Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery NEW Company of Cooks Posted yesterday £40,000 per year Lon[...] in London employer: Chartwells Independent
At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that values Craft, Creativity, and Community. As a Sous Chef at Kew Gardens The Orangery, you will not only enjoy a competitive salary of £40,000 per annum but also benefit from extensive personal development opportunities, a supportive wellbeing strategy, and a chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences in one of London's most iconic locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery NEW Company of Cooks Posted yesterday £40,000 per year Lon[...] in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Company of Cooks! Research their values and what they stand for. When you understand their focus on Craft, Creativity, and Community, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at Kew Gardens. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common sous chef questions. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Show off your creativity and passion for food!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Company of Cooks family.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Kew gardens The Orangery NEW Company of Cooks Posted yesterday £40,000 per year Lon[...] in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you care about crafting brilliant dishes just as much as we do.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role at Kew Gardens. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our kitchen team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes that align with the Farmer J-style concept. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate seasonal produce into your menu planning, showcasing your creativity and understanding of quality food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on your coaching style and how you ensure smooth operations. Highlight any experiences where you’ve improved team performance or morale.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety Standards
Brush up on COSHH and Food Hygiene regulations, as these are crucial in any kitchen environment. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high hygiene standards and ensure your team is trained and compliant with safety protocols.
✨Connect with Company Values
Company of Cooks values Craft, Creativity, and Community. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and prepare to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles, especially in a community-focused setting.
