At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, develop seasonal menus, and mentor junior chefs.
- Company: Wild Thyme & Honey, an award-winning boutique retreat in the Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Instant earnings access, 50% off food, free meals, wellbeing support, and hotel discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy enrichment days, team events, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a stunning venue and make a real impact on refined countryside cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or senior CDP with a passion for quality cooking.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you a passionate, skilled chef looking to step into a key leadership role within a truly exceptional countryside venue? At Wild Thyme & Honey, an award‑winning boutique retreat located in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis, we’re searching for an inspiring Sous Chef to support our Head Chef and help shape the culinary experience at The Crown at Ampney Brook. Our restaurant is renowned for its seasonal menus, quality British produce, and refined yet relaxed dining — set within beautiful timber‑clad interiors and alfresco domes overlooking the tranquil Ampney Brook. This is your opportunity to work with outstanding ingredients, develop junior chefs, and make a meaningful impact in a kitchen that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and the essence of the Cotswolds.
Why Join Wild Thyme & Honey?
Wild Thyme & Honey blends historic charm with rustic‑luxury design, offering guests a warm, stylish countryside escape — and offering our kitchen team a truly inspiring place to work. As Sous Chef, you'll enjoy:
- Stream Access – Track, manage, and access your earnings instantly.
- 50% Off Food & Soft Drinks – Across all our brands.
- Free meals when on shift – a selection for you to choose from when on your break.
- Wellbeing Support – Mental health, legal guidance, and financial advice.
- Retail Discounts – Enjoy savings from top brands.
- Apprenticeship Programmes – Tailored to your career goals.
- Hotel Discounts – Reduced rates at our award-winning properties.
- Enrichment Days & Team Events – Because fun matters too.
- Long Service Rewards – such as extra holidays and access to private healthcare.
- Event Space Savings – 50% off private hire bookings.
What You Bring
We’re seeking a Sous Chef who brings confidence, creativity, and calm leadership:
- Strong experience as a Sous Chef or senior CDP – Comfortable leading services.
- Passion for seasonal, produce‑led cooking – Celebrating the region’s agricultural richness.
- High standards of organisation & consistency – You ensure timing, prep, and plating excellence.
- Leadership ability – You naturally guide, coach, and inspire junior chefs.
- Calm under pressure – Steady, focused, and supportive during busy services.
- Commitment to quality – Food safety, hygiene, flavour, and presentation.
- Collaboration – You work seamlessly with the Head Chef and the wider hotel team.
What You’ll Do
As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role within our kitchen:
- Lead services confidently – Stepping onto the pass whenever needed.
- Oversee prep and organisation – Ensuring your team is ready for a smooth, elegant service.
- Support menu development – Bringing ideas that reflect the seasons and the Cotswolds spirit.
- Manage stock & ordering – Maintaining freshness, rotation, and minimal waste.
- Maintain top-tier hygiene – Uphold the immaculate standards expected in a luxury venue.
- Develop junior chefs – Mentoring and encouraging growth within the brigade.
- Collaborate across departments – Working with FOH and management to deliver seamless guest experiences.
- Protect the culinary identity – Ensuring every dish reflects the calm beauty and refined charm of Wild Thyme & Honey.
Ready to Step Into a Leadership Role in a Stunning Cotswolds Setting? If you're passionate about refined countryside cooking, excited to lead within a supportive, creative kitchen, and inspired by the charm of an award‑winning boutique hotel, we’d love to welcome you as our next Sous Chef at Wild Thyme & Honey.
Sous Chef in Cirencester employer: Linwood Collection
At Wild Thyme & Honey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning countryside setting while honing your culinary skills. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including mental health support, apprenticeship programmes, and generous discounts across our properties. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values creativity, collaboration, and the celebration of local produce, all within a beautifully restored historic venue.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Cirencester
✨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 Linwood Collection. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Linwood Collection
Don't be shy about reaching out to Linwood Collection 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 Cirencester
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 Linwood Collection 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 Linwood Collection
✨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!
