At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create specials, and manage food safety.
- Company: Craft Locals, a growing independent pub group with a focus on exceptional food.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, 28 days holiday, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and enjoy a buzzing pub atmosphere.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills and progress to Head Chef in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh-food kitchens and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 37700 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate Sous Chef who wants to develop their career and showcase their skills. At Craft Locals, we give our chefs the platform to grow, with clear progression to running their own kitchen in the future.
Tucked away by the canal at Bulbourne, just outside Tring, the Grand Junction Arms is a destination for those who love proper pubs. Whether you’re arriving from the Chiltern Hills, cycling along the towpath, or making the short trip from London by train, you’ll always find a warm welcome.
With vast gardens, outdoor bars and plenty of space to enjoy long summer days by the water, the Grand Junction is made for big gatherings and lazy afternoons. Inside, you’ll discover a buzzing pub atmosphere, with a great range of craft beers, cask ales, premium spirits and a carefully chosen wine list.
Our kitchen serves fresh, seasonal menus built around traditional pub favourites, elevated with local produce and contemporary touches. Every dish is cooked to order, with daily specials and sharers designed for lively tables.
This is your chance to join a growing independent pub group, take on responsibility in a fresh-food kitchen, and build your career in a supportive environment.
What’s in it for you
- Pay: £14.50–£16.10/hr (equivalent to £33,900–£37,700/year)
- Tips: Share of card tips
- Perks: 50% off food & 20% off drinks across the group, 28 days holiday, staff discount, team socials
- Training: Supplier visits, brewery trips, leadership development and menu design opportunities
- Autonomy: Input into specials and menus, with the freedom to showcase your skills
- Progression: Clear pathway to Head Chef
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef
- Guiding, supporting and training junior chefs
- Assisting in menu development and creating specials
- Managing stock, ordering and food margins effectively
- Maintaining HACCP and all food safety compliance
- Helping to manage labour costs and kitchen financial performance
What we’re looking for
- Experience in fresh-food pubs or restaurants at Sous level or strong Junior Sous ready to step up
- A creative chef with good organisation and planning skills
- Skilled in costing dishes and managing margins
- Knowledgeable and trained in HACCP and food safety
- A leader with a positive attitude who motivates the team
- Ambitious and eager to progress to Head Chef in the future
This is your chance to take on real responsibility, influence the menu, and grow your career in a food-led, independent pub group. Apply today and join the team.
Craft Locals is a growing group of people-focused pubs, dedicated to delivering exceptional food, well-kept cask ale, and memorable guest experiences. We believe great pubs start with great teams, and we invest in our people — giving them the support, training, and tools they need to shine.
We’ve built systems that make running a pub straightforward and compliant, so our teams can focus on what really matters: welcoming guests and delivering an outstanding experience. From reservations to stock, scheduling to events, we use a suite of best-in-class tools to simplify operations and keep everything running smoothly.
At Craft Locals, we’re proud to combine a love of people, food, and drink with smart systems and strong support — creating pubs that teams enjoy working in and guests love visiting.
Sous Chef - Fresh Food Canalside Pub in Tring employer: Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms
Craft Locals is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its team members, offering a clear pathway to advance from Sous Chef to Head Chef. Located at the picturesque Grand Junction Arms by the canal in Bulbourne, Hertfordshire, employees enjoy a vibrant work culture, generous perks including discounts and team socials, and the opportunity to create seasonal menus using local produce. With a focus on fresh food and memorable guest experiences, Craft Locals fosters an environment where chefs can showcase their skills and take on real responsibility in a supportive setting.
Contact Details:
Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Fresh Food Canalside Pub in Tring
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene! Visit local pubs, especially those known for fresh food, and chat with the staff. This not only helps you understand the vibe but also shows your genuine interest in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet other chefs and industry professionals. You never know who might have a lead on a Sous Chef position or be looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of dishes or a social media presence highlighting your culinary creations, share it. It’s a great way to stand out and demonstrate your passion for cooking.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to highlight your experience in fresh-food kitchens and your ambition to progress. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Fresh Food Canalside Pub in Tring
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for cooking and the pub scene shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh food and how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen atmosphere.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in fresh-food environments. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do at Craft Locals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary journey!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our team culture, so being genuine about who you are and what you bring to the table is key.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you started on your journey with Craft Locals!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with the types of dishes served at the Grand Junction Arms. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their fresh, seasonal menus and share your ideas for specials that could elevate their offerings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team in the absence of the Head Chef. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided and trained junior chefs in the past. Highlight your positive attitude and how you motivate others in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Compliance
Brush up on HACCP and food safety regulations before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve maintained compliance in previous roles and how you plan to ensure high standards in the kitchen at Craft Locals.
✨Express Your Ambition
Craft Locals is looking for someone eager to progress to Head Chef. Share your career aspirations and how you see yourself growing within the company. This shows your commitment and enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
