Junior Sous Chef

Junior Sous Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead kitchen sections, create Michelin-level dishes, and mentor junior chefs.
  • Company: Join the prestigious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, part of Relais & Châteaux.
  • Benefits: Enjoy meals on shift, generous gratuities, and a stunning Lake District setting.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic, creative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering exceptional dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Fine dining experience with strong culinary skills and leadership abilities.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid‑back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.

At SOURCE at the Gilpin, we craft exceptional dining experiences rooted in sustainability, creativity, and the beauty of the Lake District. Our Michelin‑starred, 4 AA Rosette kitchen is a place of passion and purpose, built on exquisite produce, bold flavours, and precise execution. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Junior Sous Chef to join our kitchen brigade and support the senior team in delivering world‑class cuisine. The Junior Sous Chef plays a pivotal role in leading sections, supporting menu development, and ensuring the smooth, consistent operation of a Michelin‑level kitchen. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical ability, natural leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality, organisation, and food safety.

What You’ll Be Doing as Junior Sous:

  • Leads sections and oversees and operates designated sections to an exceptional standard, ensuring readiness, organisation, and consistency.
  • Executes Michelin‑Level Dishes – prepares, cooks, and presents dishes with precision, creativity, and SOURCE’s signature attention to detail.
  • Supports Senior Chefs and assists the Sous and Head Chef with menu development, service coordination, and daily kitchen operations.
  • Trains, mentors, guides and develops junior chefs, providing clear instruction, demonstrations, and constructive feedback.
  • Maintains standards and upholds the highest levels of hygiene, organisation, and food safety, ensuring compliance with all due‑diligence requirements.
  • Drives team culture and contributes to a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment across the brigade.
  • Collaborates across teams, always working closely with the restaurant team to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications:

  • Fine Dining Experience, ideally with a background in Michelin‑starred or high‑level environments.
  • Section Leadership – confident in running a section with organisation, calmness, and precision.
  • Technical excellence and strong culinary skills and the ability to execute dishes to Michelin‑level standards.
  • Team Development – supports and uplifts junior chefs through guidance, structure, and positive leadership.
  • Impeccable Standards – always driving exceptional cleanliness, safety, and compliance at all times.
  • Curiosity and creativity, with a genuine love of food, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Growth mindset with a desire to develop within a forward‑thinking, modern restaurant built around local produce with a twist.

What We Offer:

  • The chance to work alongside a team of passionate professionals.
  • A supportive, dynamic and creative environment.
  • Opportunities for growth and development within the Gilpin family.
  • Career development within a Michelin‑starred environment.
  • Meals on shift, uniform, and generous gratuities.
  • A stunning Lake District setting that inspires every day.
  • The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars, and two Michelin Keys.
  • The prestige of working within Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels.

If you’re driven to grow within a team that delivers Michelin‑level dining and pushes culinary boundaries, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Hours: 50 hours per week.

  • Canteen
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Free or subsidised travel
  • On-site parking
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel.

Junior Sous Chef employer: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment where creativity thrives. As a Junior Sous Chef, you will not only hone your culinary skills in a Michelin-starred kitchen but also benefit from extensive growth opportunities within the prestigious Relais & Châteaux community. With a stunning Lake District backdrop, generous gratuities, and a commitment to sustainability, working with us means being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Contact Details:

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Gilpin Hotel & Lake House and their culinary style. Mentioning specific dishes or initiatives during your chat shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your culinary flair. It’s a great way to demonstrate your technical ability and creativity right off the bat.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to talk teamwork! Highlight your experience in leading sections and mentoring junior chefs. The kitchen is all about collaboration, so showing you can uplift others will definitely catch their eye.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their approach to sustainability and menu development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if their values align with yours. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef

Fine Dining Experience
Section Leadership
Technical Culinary Skills
Menu Development
Team Development
Food Safety Compliance
Creativity in Cooking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences in fine dining and how they’ve shaped your culinary journey. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion that aligns with our Michelin-starred ethos!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be leading sections and mentoring junior chefs. Make sure to showcase any previous leadership roles or experiences in your application. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and uplift the team, so don’t hold back on those examples!

Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in a Michelin-level kitchen. In your application, emphasise your commitment to quality, organisation, and food safety. Share specific instances where you maintained high standards, as this will resonate with our values at SOURCE.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

Know Your Culinary Basics

Brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your experience with Michelin-level dishes. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards, as these are crucial in a high-end kitchen.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll need to lead sections and mentor junior chefs. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided a team or improved kitchen operations. This will show your potential employers that you can contribute positively to their brigade.

Emphasise Your Passion for Food

Express your genuine love for food and creativity during the interview. Share any innovative ideas you have for menu development or how you’ve used local produce in your previous roles. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of SOURCE at the Gilpin.

Prepare Questions About Team Culture

Demonstrate your interest in the working environment by preparing thoughtful questions about team culture and collaboration. Ask how they foster a positive atmosphere in the kitchen, as this shows you value teamwork and are keen to contribute to a harmonious setting.