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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious seasonal dishes.
- Company: Join the award-winning Kingfisher pub, hotel, and wedding venue.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, staff discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Bring your passion for food and creativity to a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of a buzzing kitchen with opportunities to grow into a Head Chef role.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous in a busy kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 34500 - 34500 £ per year.
We are on the lookout for a passionate, skilled Sous Chef to join our buzzing kitchen team at The Kingfisher, a busy and much-loved pub, hotel, and wedding venue. We are all about seasonal dishes made with top-quality local ingredients—no packets, no shortcuts, just proper cooking. Don't just take our word for it, we're award-winning - Bedford Business of the Year 2025 and Best Hotel 2025 in Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire.
Our kitchen is fast-paced, full of energy, and packed with personality—just like the food we serve. From fresh, creative restaurant plates to comforting pub favourites and large-scale wedding banquets, there's always something exciting happening behind the pass!
With an established and experienced team, we are looking for the right Sous Chef to come in to support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the department and lead the team in the Head Chef's absence.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary for a Sous Chef, starting at £34,500 and is negotiable for the right candidate, plus tips (paid via tronc scheme via TipJar)
- A supportive and sociable team environment, working for people that genuinely love hospitality and great food
- Opportunities to develop and step into a Head Chef role in the future
- Staff discounts, meals on shift, and other perks
- A workplace where your ideas and input are genuinely valued
- Employee discount of 50% off food and beverage out of hours
- Free, onsite parking
- Live-in is potentially available if required
What you'll be doing as Sous Chef:
- Working closely with our Head Chef to lead a skilled and established team
- Delivering consistently high-quality dishes—from prep to plating
- Bringing creativity and ideas to menus and specials
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and kitchen efficiency
- Stepping up and taking the reins when the Head Chef's off-duty
- Helping train, develop and mentor junior chefs
About you:
- You're a current Sous Chef or Junior Sous, with previous experience in a busy pub/hotel/restaurant kitchen
- You're cool under pressure, a natural leader, and a team player
- You love good food and take pride in every plate
- Strong knowledge of food safety, food cost of sale, and good working practices at Sous Chef level
- Experience with banqueting, as well as restaurants would be an advantage, but isn't essential
- Weddings, functions, and a bustling pub service? You're up for the challenge!
If you're ready to bring your passion, personality, and professionalism to a growing venue with big plans and even bigger flavours, we want to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and a short intro about why you'd be a great fit. Let's get cooking!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Sous Chef in Luton employer: Donnington & Co.
Contact Detail:
Donnington & Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by The Kingfisher for a meal or a drink. This way, you can chat about the dishes you loved and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along some ideas for seasonal dishes or specials that could fit their menu. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to contribute right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Share examples of how you've led a kitchen team or supported your Head Chef in previous roles. They want to see that you can handle the heat and keep the kitchen buzzing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their approach to sourcing local ingredients or how they handle busy service times. This shows you're not just there for the job, but you care about their values and operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share why you’re excited about the role and how your passion aligns with our commitment to quality and creativity in the kitchen.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that matches what we're looking for. Focus on your previous roles, especially any leadership or creative contributions you've made in busy kitchens. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Personal Intro: Alongside your CV, include a short intro about yourself. This is your chance to tell us why you’d be a great fit for The Kingfisher. Keep it friendly and genuine—let us know what makes you tick in the culinary world!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Donnington & Co.
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal ingredients and local suppliers. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into the menu at The Kingfisher. Show your passion for quality cooking and how it aligns with their ethos of no shortcuts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to step up in the Head Chef's absence and maintain kitchen efficiency.
✨Bring Creative Ideas
Think about some unique dish ideas or specials you could propose. During the interview, share your thoughts on how you can contribute creatively to the menu. This shows you're not just a follower but someone who can add value.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Training
Discuss your experience in mentoring junior chefs and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment. The Kingfisher values a supportive team, so be prepared to talk about how you can help develop others while maintaining high standards.