At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and ensure top-notch food quality 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 high-performing venue and elevate your culinary skills with a Michelin-level team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous in a busy, fresh-food 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.
We are now looking for a driven and experienced Sous Chef to help lead our busy, professional kitchen.
The Role
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 in Bristol employer: Harbour House
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 fast-paced kitchen that values fresh, seasonal produce and fosters a supportive culture where your skills can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Bristol
✨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 chatting with people. You never know who might have a lead on a Sous Chef position at a buzzing restaurant like Harbour House.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in the kitchen! If you can, arrange a trial shift or a stage at a restaurant you’re interested in. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your abilities under pressure and lets the team see how you fit into their high-energy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles with your culinary achievements and experiences. Share photos of your dishes and engage with other chefs. It’s a great way to showcase your passion for seasonal produce and from-scratch cooking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Harbour House. Make sure your application reflects your enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, quality-focused kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for seasonal produce and fresh cooking shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to quality and creativity in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed busy services and supported your team in high-pressure situations.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles—give us the juicy details! Mention specific kitchens you've worked in, the volume of service you handled, and any unique challenges you overcame. This helps us see how you fit into our fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your details and kick off the conversation about your future with us at Harbour House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour House
✨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 need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team under pressure. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed busy services in the past, highlighting your organisational skills and calmness during peak times.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety and hygiene regulations before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain these standards in a high-volume kitchen, as this is crucial for the role at Harbour House.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Positivity
Harbour House values a positive team mentality. Think of instances where you've contributed to a supportive kitchen environment and be ready to share how you motivate your colleagues, ensuring everyone works together effectively.
