Sous Chef - The Castle Inn

Sous Chef - The Castle Inn

Chippenham Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create seasonal menus, and ensure excellent guest experiences.
  • Company: Join The Castle Inn, awarded South West pub of the Year, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 29 days holiday, 50% food discount, and free gym access.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, develop your culinary skills, and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in luxury hospitality, strong leadership, and a passion for food are essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment committed to sustainability and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Job Introduction

Sous Chef – Castle Inn – Castle Combe, Wiltshire
A Career in Hospitality Where Every Detail Tells a Story.

The Castle Inn, part of The Manor House estate, is a historic Cotswolds inn where relaxed dining meets warm, welcoming service. Together, they offer a heritage-rich setting where every detail is designed to create memorable experiences for guests.

You will join as a Sous Chef that values leadership, creativity, collaboration, and pride in everything they do. Here, your ideas will be welcomed and your growth supported.

At Castle Inn, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
• Competitive pay, plus service charge
• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining
• Free meals while on duty
• Free access to the on-site gym and parking
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the Executive Chef / Head Chef in leading kitchen operations and maintaining high culinary standards.
  • Coordinate the brigade during service, ensuring dishes are delivered on time and to specification.
  • Run the kitchen confidently in the absence of the Executive Chef.
  • Coach and mentor Chef de Parties, Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs.
  • Ensure excellent food safety, hygiene and allergen compliance across all kitchen areas.
  • Support menu development and dish refinement to elevate the culinary offer.
  • Manage ordering, supplier relationships, stock control and waste reduction.
  • Monitor quality, portion control and presentation across all sections.
  • Support a positive, professional and development-focused kitchen culture.
  • Person Specification

  • Strong experience as a Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie in a premium hospitality setting.
  • Confident leading service and coordinating a professional kitchen.
  • Excellent culinary skills with strong leadership and mentoring ability.
  • Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food safety and compliance.
  • Calm, organised and solutions-focused during busy periods.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Committed to high standards, consistency and continuous improvement.
  • We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression, and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.

    As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

    Apply today and join a team that celebrates creativity, teamwork and genuine care in everything we do.

    Sous Chef - The Castle Inn employer: Exclusive Hotels and Venues

    The Castle Inn is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, where creativity and passion for food are celebrated. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and numerous employee benefits including discounts across properties and access to training programmes, we are dedicated to the growth and well-being of our team. Join us in a stunning location recognised for its excellence, where you can thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment and make a meaningful impact on our guests' experiences.
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    Contact Detail:

    Exclusive Hotels and Venues Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - The Castle Inn

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the Castle Inn's menu and culinary style. Understanding their approach to food will help you demonstrate how your skills and creativity can enhance their offerings during any discussions or interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Showcase your leadership experience in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated a kitchen team, managed operations, or implemented new ideas that improved service or food quality.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Stay updated on current food trends and local ingredients. Being able to discuss these topics will not only show your passion for food but also your ability to create original and seasonal menus that align with the Castle Inn's ethos.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Network within the hospitality industry, especially with professionals who have experience in luxury environments. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.

    We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - The Castle Inn

    Culinary Skills
    Menu Development
    Leadership and Team Management
    Food Safety and Hygiene Compliance
    Creativity in Food Presentation
    Knowledge of Local and Seasonal Ingredients
    Cost Control and Budget Management
    Training and Development
    Stock Management
    Operational Excellence
    Communication Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Passion for Food and Hospitality
    Ability to Work Under Pressure

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Sous Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in kitchen operations, menu development, and team leadership.

    Showcase Your Passion for Food: In your cover letter or personal statement, express your passion for food and cooking. Mention any specific cuisines or trends you are excited about and how they align with the Castle Inn's ethos.

    Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership skills and experience managing a kitchen team. Provide examples of how you've motivated teams, conducted training sessions, or improved kitchen standards in previous roles.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary environment.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Exclusive Hotels and Venues

    ✨Show Your Passion for Food

    Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy creating and how you stay updated on current food trends. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the culinary arts.

    ✨Highlight Leadership Experience

    As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've motivated and inspired kitchen staff in the past. Use examples that showcase your ability to maintain high standards and improve team performance.

    ✨Discuss Menu Development Ideas

    Since menu development is a key part of the role, come prepared with ideas for original and seasonal menus. Show that you understand local ingredients and can create dishes that reflect current food trends. This will highlight your creativity and initiative.

    ✨Emphasise Compliance and Standards

    Be ready to talk about your experience with health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards of food preparation and cleanliness. This will reassure them of your ability to manage kitchen operations effectively.

    Sous Chef - The Castle Inn
    Exclusive Hotels and Venues
    Location: Chippenham
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