At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-energy kitchen, ensuring quality and consistency in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Harbour House, a vibrant restaurant on Bristol's iconic floating harbour.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, generous staff discounts, and career development.
- Other info: Thriving atmosphere with real opportunities for progression and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a flagship venue and elevate your culinary skills with a Michelin-level team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a high-volume kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Harbour House is one of Bristol’s most exciting destinations—set within a stunning 19th‑century transit shed on the city’s iconic floating harbour. With a constant flow of guests from morning through to late evening, we are a high‑energy restaurant delivering quality, consistency, and memorable experiences at scale. Our menus celebrate the very best of the South West, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce and exceptional seafood. From vibrant brunches and indulgent afternoon teas to busy dinner services and lively bar trade, our kitchen operates at pace—without ever compromising on quality.
This is a hands‑on leadership position in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations while maintaining exceptional food standards across all services. You’ll be part of a strong senior team with a Michelin‑level background, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in a structured, quality‑focused kitchen.
Key responsibilities:
- Supporting the Head Chef in leading a high‑performing kitchen team
- Driving consistency and quality across a large‑volume service
- Running sections confidently during busy services
- Managing prep, service flow, and kitchen organisation
- Maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards
- Controlling stock, ordering, and minimising waste
- Supporting GP targets and overall kitchen performance
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a chef who thrives under pressure and takes pride in delivering high standards at scale. You will:
- Have solid experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a high‑volume, fresh‑food environment
- Be confident managing busy services and large cover numbers
- Have a passion for seasonal produce and from‑scratch cooking
- Be organised, proactive, and calm under pressure
- Bring energy, leadership, and a positive team mentality
- Have the drive to progress and develop within a quality‑led business
Why Join Harbour House?
This is more than just another kitchen role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a flagship, high‑performing venue where standards matter and progression is real. We offer:
- Competitive salary
- 28 days holiday
- Generous staff discounts
- A supportive and professional working environment
- Career development alongside an experienced, high‑level team
If you’re a Sous Chef who enjoys the buzz of a busy kitchen and wants to be part of a premium casual operation that delivers both volume and quality—we want to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your career.
Sous Chef employer: Harbour House - Bristol
Harbour House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol's iconic floating harbour. With a focus on quality and consistency, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for career development alongside a talented team with Michelin-level experience. Join us to thrive in a high-energy kitchen that values fresh, seasonal produce and fosters a positive team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local food events or workshops, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for cooking. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Sous Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This is a great way to stand out and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Harbour House, and express your interest in joining their team. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary social media accounts with your latest experiences and achievements. Make sure to highlight your passion for fresh, seasonal produce and your ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Produce:When writing your application, let us know about your love for seasonal ingredients and from-scratch cooking. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to quality and how you’ve used fresh produce in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times when you've successfully managed a busy kitchen or supported your Head Chef in maintaining high standards.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to see your relevant experience, so don’t hold back! Detail your time in high-volume environments and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure while delivering exceptional food.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Harbour House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour House - Bristol
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the seasonal produce and seafood that Harbour House prides itself on. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into dishes, showcasing your passion for fresh, from-scratch cooking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team in a high-pressure environment. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed busy services or mentored junior chefs in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure and maintain quality.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen organisation, prep management, and food safety standards. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure smooth operations during peak times and how you handle stock control and waste minimisation.
✨Bring Your Energy
Harbour House is all about creating memorable experiences, so let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview. Share your passion for cooking and how you foster a positive team mentality, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
