At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, create fresh dishes, and support fellow chefs.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its vibrant pubs and brasseries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid overtime, discounts, and career 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: Join a growing team with over 40 locations and endless progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
New Site Opening Jan/Feb 2026 – The Woodman, Southgate, London N13 4BD
Sous Chefs - Join Us for an Exciting New Chapter!
On Target Earnings £15.50-£16 (Including TRONC)
Average 48-hour contract
Positions potentially can start sooner in another location, ahead of the opening.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Woodman, a stunning new Heartwood Inn in the beautiful town of Southgate, North London. Just a stone’s throw from Southgate Tube and Grovelands Park, this historic site is undergoing a full refurbishment and stylish Heartwood redesign — plus an exciting new extension to elevate the guest experience. With over 70 dining covers, 80+ bar covers, 60 external terrace seats, and 36 dedicated parking spaces, The Woodman promises to be a landmark destination for locals and visitors alike.
At Heartwood Collection, we’re on the lookout for passionate and vibrant individuals to join our kitchen team as a Sous Chef. We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly 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.
*On Target Earnings is based on a 48-hour working week, TRONC is calculated from the expected 6 months' site average.
Applications that require a change of sponsorship OR form overseas cannot be considered for this role.
Sous Chef in London employer: Heartwood Inns
Contact Detail:
Heartwood Inns Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Chat with fellow chefs, attend local culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Sous Chef position at The Woodman!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tag Heartwood Collection and let them see what you can bring to the table. A little creativity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email. Express your excitement about the new opening and why you’d be a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like a pro! Research The Woodman and its menu, and think about how your experience aligns with their values. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about joining their kitchen team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for fresh, seasonal dishes and how you can bring that energy to The Woodman.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in running a kitchen and leading a team. We’re looking for someone who can jump right in, so showcase your relevant skills and achievements that align with our vision at Heartwood Collection.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re a warm and genuine community, so show us who you are beyond just your culinary skills. A bit of character goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board for this exciting new chapter at The Woodman!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Inns
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially around fresh food cuisine. Be ready to discuss your experience with seasonal dishes and how you can contribute to the menu at The Woodman.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've trained and supported other chefs in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you would manage the kitchen at The Woodman.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Brand
Research Heartwood Collection and their values. Understanding their approach to hospitality and community will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the new site and its vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Think about asking about the training programmes or the team culture.