At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, support the Head Chef, and mentor junior chefs in a vibrant coastal inn.
- Company: The Lifeboat Inn, a beloved coastal property with a rich history and loyal clientele.
- Benefits: Performance bonuses, discounts on food, training opportunities, and team trips.
- Other info: Be part of a tight-knit team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and grow your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong CDP ready to step up with a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
If you know the North Norfolk coast, you probably know The Lifeboat. It’s one of those places people talk about — full of history, warmth and a loyal mix of locals and long‑standing visitors. With its established reputation and a kitchen focused on quality, seasonality and consistency, The Lifeboat is an inspiring place to grow your craft.
We’re looking for a Sous Chef who can support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen day to day — someone with skill, calmness and the confidence to take charge when needed. You’ll help shape the food offering, maintain high standards and support a team proud of what they deliver. If you’re the kind of chef who enjoys being part of a respected coastal property with plenty of opportunity to develop, this could be a great fit.
What the Role’s All About...
As Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in the running of the kitchen — supporting the Head Chef, guiding junior members of the team, and ensuring every plate reflects the hospitality The Lifeboat is known for. You’ll:
- Support the Head Chef in menu execution, prep and service
- Run the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence with confidence and composure
- Help deliver a consistent, well‑executed food offering
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards
- Be involved in stock management, ordering and waste control
- Train, support and mentor junior chefs
- Work closely with the wider management team to ensure smooth service
- Bring ideas, enthusiasm and reliability to a busy, quality‑led kitchen
About You...
You’re a hands‑on chef with a steady, organised approach and a genuine passion for producing good food. You work well in a team, you stay calm under pressure, and you take pride in delivering a reliable, consistent service. You’ll bring:
- Experience as a Sous Chef or a strong CDP ready to step up
- A solid understanding of prep, service and kitchen operations
- A passion for fresh, seasonal food
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- A focus on standards, organisation and consistency
- A desire to grow within a supportive and quality‑driven property
Why Join Chestnut?
Chestnut is a collection of premium properties and inns across East Anglia, each with its own identity. The Lifeboat is one of our most recognisable coastal properties — loved by locals, trusted by visitors and full of opportunity for people who enjoy being part of a tight‑knit team. You’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team, given room to grow, and part of a business that invests in people, skill development and progression.
Benefits & Perks
- Performance bonus schemes
- Team & individual incentive trips
- 50% discount on food across all Chestnut pubs
- Overnight stays from £75
- Friends & Family discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a Friend bonuses
- High‑street retail & travel discounts
- Wagestream access
- Accredited training & development pathways
Ready to take the next step in your kitchen career at a much‑loved coastal inn? If this feels like the right opportunity for you, apply today — we’d really like to meet you.
Senior Sous Chef in Hunstanton employer: Le Strange Arms
Contact Detail:
Le Strange Arms Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef in Hunstanton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or workshops, and don’t be shy about chatting with people. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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 can really set you apart when you’re meeting potential employers face-to-face.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Lifeboat Inn. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios you might face in the kitchen. Think about how you’d handle busy service times or mentor junior chefs. Confidence and calmness are key, so show them you’ve got it!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef in Hunstanton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary journey and how they align with the values of The Lifeboat Inn.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We’re all about collaboration here at StudySmarter. Make sure to mention your experience working in a team and how you’ve supported others in the kitchen. This will show us you’re a great fit for our tight-knit crew.
Be Clear and Organised: Just like in the kitchen, clarity is key! Structure your application well, making it easy for us to see your skills and experiences. A tidy application reflects your organised approach in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Le Strange Arms
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu at The Lifeboat Inn. Understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation styles. This will not only show your passion for the role but also allow you to discuss how you can contribute to menu execution and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided junior chefs or managed kitchen operations. Highlight your calmness under pressure and how you maintain high standards in a busy environment.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Fresh, Seasonal Food
The Lifeboat Inn values quality and seasonality, so be ready to discuss your approach to sourcing ingredients and creating dishes that reflect this ethos. Share any personal experiences or ideas you have about seasonal menus, and how you can bring creativity to the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth within the property. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.