Sous Chef in London

Sous Chef in London

London Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen and create exceptional French cuisine from scratch.
  • Company: Join La Nouvelle Garde, a vibrant brasserie expanding to London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, fresh meals, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Be part of a new restaurant journey and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experienced Sous Chef with strong culinary skills and leadership abilities.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

Our story

Back in 2019 in Paris, two friends, Charles and Victor, opened a brasserie together - the kind of place Parisians disappear into for a 3-hour lunch.

Our story

Back in 2019 in Paris, two friends, Charles and Victor, opened a brasserie together - the kind of place Parisians disappear into for a 3-hour lunch.

They called it La Nouvelle Garde: a promise to eat and drink the French way, done properly, 100% homemade, cooked from scratch from the highest quality seasonal ingredients.

They served classic French dishes prepared with care, generosity and excellence in beautiful, relaxed spaces full of energy.

Guests loved it!

So they opened another one, and then another one.

Each with its own name, personality and story, but always with the same love for French food and hospitality.

And 10 brasseries later, it was finally time to bring it to London.

In July 2026, in Sloane Square, Brasserie Olivia was born.

This is just the beginning of our London story, and we'd love you to help write the next chapter.

The role

  • As a
  • Sous Chef

, you'll be the Head Chef's right hand, playing a key role in leading the kitchen and delivering exceptional French cuisine.

You'll bring strong culinary expertise and a passion for cooking from scratch, working with high-quality seasonal ingredients and ensuring every dish is prepared with precision, consistency and attention to detail.

You'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation, from leading service and managing food quality to organising the team, delegating responsibilities and maintaining the highest standards.

You'll work closely with the Head Chef to develop chefs, improve kitchen performance and build a strong, skilled team that takes pride in the food it creates.

  • What Success Looks Like
  • You will lead a well-organised kitchen where every service runs smoothly, with clear responsibilities and strong teamwork across the team
  • You will ensure every dish is prepared from scratch, using the right cooking techniques and delivering exceptional flavour, presentation and consistency.
  • You will oversee all kitchen sections, maintaining the highest standards of food preparation, cooking and presentation.
  • You will maintain exceptional food safety, cleanliness and operational standards throughout the kitchen.
  • You will lead, coach and develop our chefs, delegating responsibilities and helping them improve their skills and performance.
  • You will manage stock, deliveries and supplier relationships, ensuring the kitchen is organised and ready for service.
  • You will minimise waste, control food costs and make commercially smart decisions without compromising food quality.
  • You will work closely with the Head Chef to continuously improve the food, develop the team and strengthen the kitchen operation.
  • What You'll Bring
  • You are an experienced Sous Chef with a strong background in high-quality, high-volume restaurants.
  • You are confident leading a busy kitchen and overseeing multiple sections at the same time.
  • You have excellent culinary knowledge, strong cooking techniques and a passion for preparing exceptional food from scratch.
  • You have strong leadership skills and know how to organise, delegate, coach and develop a team.
  • You have excellent knowledge of food safety, kitchen operations and maintaining consistently high standards.
  • You are organised, commercially aware and confident managing stock, food costs and kitchen performance.
  • You lead by example, communicate clearly and take pride in delivering exceptional food and an outstanding guest experience.

What we offer

  • Annual salary starting from £55,000 (including Tronc)
  • 48-hour contract, 5 working days and 2 days off
  • 50% discount across all Nouvelle Garde restaurants.
  • A freshly prepared staff meal on every shift
  • Employee benefits platform (Hospitality Rewards)
  • The opportunity to join a brand-new restaurant at the beginning of its journey and make a genuine impact from day one.
  • The chance to help shape a high-performing team and culture from the early stages.
  • Real opportunities for career progression as the business grows, with future restaurant openings already planned.
  • The opportunity to work with the best UK suppliers and quality ingredients in a kitchen that prepares everything from scratch and takes pride in exceptional food.

La Nouvelle Garde is an equal opportunities employer.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Please note you must have a right to work in the UK.

Sous Chef in London employer: La Nouvelle Garde

At Brasserie Olivia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and excellence in the culinary arts. As a Head Pastry Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate team but also have the unique opportunity to shape our new restaurant's journey in Sloane Square, London. With competitive salaries, generous employee discounts, and a commitment to your professional growth, we ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact from day one.

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Contact Details:

La Nouvelle Garde Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in London

✨Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

✨Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

✨Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like La Nouvelle Garde. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to La Nouvelle Garde

Don't be shy about reaching out to La Nouvelle Garde directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in London

Communication Skills
Time Management
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Culinary Skills
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about La Nouvelle Garde and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at La Nouvelle Garde

✨Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

✨Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!