Sous Chef (St. Newlyn East) in Cornwall

Sous Chef (St. Newlyn East) in Cornwall

Cornwall Full-Time 36000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Halwyn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a passionate team to create exceptional dishes using fire and high-quality ingredients.
  • Company: Halwyn, a rising star in Cornwall's culinary scene.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, free parking, and staff perks like mini-golf access.
  • Other info: Small, dedicated team with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Be part of a kitchen with real ambition and make your mark on Cornwall's dining landscape.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in professional kitchens, experience with fine dining and charcoal cooking.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.

Do you have the right skills and experience for this role? Read on to find out, and make your application.

Work with fire. Build something exceptional.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This isn't another casual dining restaurant hoping to be good. We're pushing Halwyn to be one of Cornwall's most respected kitchens. Fire is at the heart of everything:

  • Josper charcoal grill as our centrepiece
  • Live flames, high heat, instinctive cooking
  • Technique-driven but not precious

Obsessive about produce:

  • Trevowah Herd beef from the farm
  • Day-boat fish from Wing Of St Mawes
  • Relationships with every supplier
  • Seasonality that actually means something

Real ambition:

  • Building toward rosettes and recognition
  • Monthly special events and collaborations
  • Developing our team properly
  • Creating food worth travelling for

THE ROLE

Join Us in Halwyn's fire cooking kitchen in Crantock, North Cornwall.

Head Chef Matthew's background:

  • 3 AA Rosettes at The Idle Rocks (Relais & Chateaux)
  • Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay)
  • Marcus Wareing's Tredwells
  • International experience across France and Malta
  • 14 years honing his craft in some of the UK's most respected kitchens

We are building something different in Cornwall - and he needs a right-hand who can match his standards.

What that means:

  • Running sections to his standard when he's on the pass
  • Eventually running full services when he's not there
  • Mentoring a young CDP and apprentice - teaching them properly
  • Taking ownership of prep, ordering, stock management
  • Helping develop menu ideas and seasonal changes
  • Being the other voice of authority in the kitchen

You won't be:

  • Just another pair of hands doing what you're told
  • Stuck on one section forever
  • Working for someone who doesn't know their craft
  • In a kitchen without ambition or standards

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience that matters:

  • 5+ years in professional kitchens minimum
  • Strong across all sections
  • Worked somewhere with real standards - rosettes, Michelin, serious chef-driven restaurants
  • You stay calm when it gets chaotic
  • You lead by example, not by shouting
  • You want to grow, not just survive
  • You understand that great food comes from great discipline
  • Experience with charcoal/fire cooking
  • Time in fine dining kitchens
  • You're at the stage where you want more responsibility

WHAT WE OFFER

  • £35,000 per year
  • 5 days per week - Wednesday to Sunday, two consecutive days off
  • Tips on top shared fairly across the team
  • Proper kitchen - Josper grill, quality equipment, space to work
  • A platform - we're building something that will get noticed. Your name will be attached to quality.
  • The chance to be part of something from the ground up - Halwyn opened July 2025
  • Staff perks: Free parking, pension, use of the mini-golf and driving range if that's your thing

This role isn't easy. It's a small team (currently just Head Chef, a CDP, and an apprentice) so you'll be working hard. We're in a feasting barn on a family farm, not a five-star hotel. Peak season in Cornwall is intense. But if you're tired of coasting, if you want to work for someone who knows what excellent looks like, and if you're ready to be trusted with real responsibility - this could be the best move you make.

LOCATION

Halwyn - Crantock, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5QS - 5 minutes from Newquay - 10 minutes from Crantock Beach - North Cornwall

HOW TO APPLY

Contact: Head Chef Matthew Haggath

Send:

  • Your CV
  • A short note explaining why this role interests you
  • Your notice period and availability

Please note: An interview and trial shift will be required.

We're looking to move quickly for the right person.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Employee discount
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Sous Chef (St. Newlyn East) in Cornwall employer: Halwyn

At Halwyn in Crantock, Cornwall, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional work environment that fosters creativity and ambition. As a Sous Chef, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to pushing culinary boundaries, with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth under the guidance of our experienced Head Chef. Enjoy a supportive culture, competitive salary, and unique perks like free parking and access to recreational facilities, all while contributing to a kitchen that values quality and innovation.

Halwyn

Contact Details:

Halwyn Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef (St. Newlyn East) in Cornwall

Tip Number 1

Get to know the kitchen vibe before you apply! Swing by Halwyn for a casual chat with the team or even grab a bite. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you understand their standards.

Tip Number 2

When you reach out, don’t just send your CV. Include a personal note about why you want to be part of Halwyn's journey. We love seeing passion and personality shine through!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the trial shift like it’s the real deal. Brush up on your fire cooking skills and be ready to showcase your technique. Show us you can handle the heat and lead by example!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you message can go a long way in making you memorable. Plus, it shows you’re keen and professional!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef (St. Newlyn East) in Cornwall

Charcoal Cooking
Fine Dining Experience
Menu Development
Stock Management
Team Mentoring
Section Running
Calm Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in professional kitchens, especially if you've worked in places with real standards like Michelin-starred restaurants. We want to see your journey and how it aligns with our ambition at Halwyn.

Write a Personal Note:In your short note, let us know why this role excites you! Share your passion for fire cooking and how you envision contributing to our kitchen. This is your chance to show us your personality and enthusiasm.

Be Clear About Availability:When you send your application, don’t forget to include your notice period and availability. We’re looking to move quickly, so the clearer you are, the better!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s build something exceptional together!

How to prepare for a job interview at Halwyn

Know Your Fire Cooking

Make sure you brush up on your charcoal and fire cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-heat cooking and how you've used it to create exceptional dishes. This is a key part of the role, so showing your passion for it will definitely impress.

Showcase Your Experience

With 5+ years in professional kitchens, you’ve got stories to tell! Prepare specific examples of your past roles, especially in fine dining or rosette-winning establishments. Highlight how you’ve contributed to menu development or led a team, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.

Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership

This kitchen thrives on collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you lead by example. Share instances where you’ve mentored junior staff or taken ownership of a section. They want someone who can step up when needed, so demonstrate your leadership skills.

Prepare for a Trial Shift

Since a trial shift is part of the interview process, think about how you can showcase your skills in a practical setting. Familiarise yourself with their menu and be prepared to cook under pressure. This is your chance to shine, so bring your A-game!