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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create delicious, fresh dishes in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join Heartwood Inns, an award-winning hospitality group with a warm community vibe.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new opening and make your mark in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: 3-4 years as a Sous Chef, with strong leadership and culinary skills.
- Other info: Great career growth potential as we expand to over 60 locations by 2027.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Employer: Heartwood Inns
Location: Eastleigh, Hampshire
Salary: £15.50 - £16.50 per hour
Closing date: 5 Mar 2026
Job Details
Sous Chef for our new opening in March. On Target Earnings £15.50 - £16.50 (Including TRONC).
At Heartwood Collection, we are looking for a passionate and vibrant individual to join our kitchen team as Sous Chef for our new opening at The Potters Heron, Ampfield, SO51 9ZF (Near Romsey). Following twenty years of independent ownership, The Potters Heron has been acquired by The Heartwood Collection. The Potters Heron has historically been thought of with fondness as an established hotel and will now enter an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment to create a warm and elegant 56 room inn with a 200-capacity restaurant dining space. We are an award-winning group of cozy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.
What we offer:
- Salary package includes TRONC
- Contract average of 48 hours with paid overtime
- Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program with Hospitality Action
- Instant pay access through EarlyPay
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
- 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
- A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences via Reward Gateway
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About You
- Have a proven track record in running service from the line, fresh food cuisine and delivering training and support to chefs
- Able to work on and run any sections in the kitchen team, demonstrate leadership skills and assist the head chef
- 3-4 years experience in a Sous Chef role or similar, preferably with exposure to branded operations and a basic understanding of administration operations
Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group, Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024, Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024 Best Pub Brand/Concept at the Publican Awards 2025.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate. Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.
Please note, we cannot take applications from overseas.
Sous Chef - The Potters Heron, Ampfield in Eastleigh employer: Heartwood Inns
Contact Detail:
Heartwood Inns Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - The Potters Heron, Ampfield in Eastleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by The Potters Heron and soak up the atmosphere. Familiarising yourself with the place will not only help you feel more confident but also give you some great talking points during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fresh food! When you’re chatting with the team, share your favourite seasonal dishes or any creative ideas you have. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the culinary experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! As a Sous Chef, you’ll be leading a kitchen team, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve supported and trained others in the past. We love to see candidates who can inspire and uplift their colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest in the Heartwood Collection by asking about their plans for the new opening or their training programmes. It’s a great way to engage and show that you’re genuinely excited about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - The Potters Heron, Ampfield in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal dishes and how you can contribute to our vibrant kitchen team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sous Chef role. Highlight your experience in running service from the line and any leadership skills you've developed. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Inns
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes that The Potters Heron serves. Be ready to discuss your experience with fresh food cuisine and how you can contribute to their seasonal offerings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support the kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team or trained junior chefs in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about running service from the line and handling various kitchen sections. Brush up on your technical skills and be prepared to discuss how you would handle busy service periods.
✨Express Your Passion for Hospitality
Heartwood Collection values a warm and genuine atmosphere. Share your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry and how you align with their mission to create a welcoming environment for guests.
