At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exceptional seafood dishes and support the Head Chef in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, renowned for sustainable seafood in stunning coastal Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, 28 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up.
Love seafood? Passionate about fresh ingredients, coastal flavours, and creating exceptional dishes with consistency and flair? At Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we're looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. Working closely with our Head Chef, you'll play a key role in delivering memorable dining experiences in a well-organised, supportive, and inspiring environment.
The Role
- Position: Sous Chef
- Pay: £34,320 - £35,360 per annum (depending on experience) paid weekly
- Tips: £2.00 per hour on average (shared across the restaurant team)
- Contract: Permanent, full time (40 hours)
- Shifts: Monday to Sunday (rota basis) - no late evenings - no split shifts - no night shifts
- Accommodation: Shared, subsidised accommodation available
- Logistics: Due to location and shift patterns, own transport is essential
Why Join Us?
Located on the breathtaking west coast of Scotland, Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd is set in one of the country's most stunning landscapes. Our award-winning Oyster Bar is renowned for showcasing the very best sustainable seafood from Argyll. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to:
- Work with exceptional, locally sourced produce
- Be part of a warm, collaborative team
- Enjoy a healthier work-life balance in hospitality
- Grow your skills in a respected, high-quality kitchen
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations and service
- Preparing and presenting high-quality seafood dishes
- Leading the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence
- Maintaining exceptional standards of food quality and consistency
- Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations
- Assisting with stock control, ordering, and minimising waste
- Contributing ideas to seasonal menu development
- Helping build a positive, motivated kitchen culture
What We're Looking For
- Experienced Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Passion for fish and seafood
- Calm, organised, and reliable under pressure
- A supportive team player with leadership skills
- Strong commitment to quality, consistency, and best practice
What We Offer
- 28 days holiday (pro-rata), increasing with service
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance (Death in Service)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Share of customer tips
- Staff discounts
- Free on-site parking
- Uniform provided
- Access to employee benefits app (including retail discounts, financial/legal advice, GP access)
- Comprehensive training and ongoing development
- Real opportunities for progression within the business
Apply Now - Closing Date: 18th June 2026. You must have the right to live and work in the UK.
Location: Clachan, Cairndow, Argyll (Head of Loch Fyne) 45 mins from Dunoon, 50 mins from Helensburgh, 1 hour from Dumbarton, 1.5 hours from Glasgow.
SOUS CHEF employer: Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
At Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inspiring work environment where culinary passion thrives. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Argyll, our team enjoys a healthy work-life balance with no late or night shifts, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a high-quality kitchen. With competitive pay, shared tips, and a range of employee benefits, including subsidised accommodation and a collaborative team culture, joining us as a Sous Chef means becoming part of a community dedicated to excellence in seafood dining.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SOUS CHEF
✨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 Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd 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
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 Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd 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 Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
✨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!
