At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals at Kew Gardens.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in vibrant food experiences across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, life assurance, pension scheme, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful location with opportunities for career growth and regular social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team that brings cultural destinations to life through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for high-quality food preparation.
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.
Wherever we are, we do more than serve. We bring places to life through food, service and creativity and we’re 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
- To prepare and oversee all preparation of food to the highest standard
- To produce food in a timely manner to ensure smooth service
- To ensure all appropriate ingredients are available for the menus
- To develop and plan menus in line with client and customer expectations
- To be creative with menu planning, involving both client and customers
- To 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
What's in it for you?
Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- 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
Sous Chef - Kew Gardens employer: Chartwells Independent
At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Sous Chef role at Kew Gardens. With a strong emphasis on Craft, Creativity, and Community, we offer a vibrant work culture that fosters personal development and training opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including life assurance, pension schemes, and wellbeing support. Working in the stunning setting of Kew Gardens not only allows you to create brilliant food but also to be part of a team that values its people and encourages creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Kew Gardens
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 - Kew Gardens
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
