At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen shifts, support the Head Chef, and ensure high food quality.
- Company: Modelo Lounge, part of the award-winning Loungers group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, free meals, and 50% discount from day one.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities and the best staff parties in hospitality!
- Why this job: Join a fun team, develop your skills, and make an impact in a growing brand.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef, with a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're hiring a full-time Sous Chef to be part of the kitchen team at Modelo Lounge, a local caf bar. Part of Loungers, proudly named Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026. With competitive salary, plus bonus, paid overtime and real progression opportunities, this is a great next step for an experienced hospitality sous chef, second chef or junior sous chef.
About the Sous Chef Role
Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who work in them. As Sous Chef you'll be right at the heart of the Modelo Lounge kitchen; supporting your Head Chef, leading the team through each service, and making sure every dish that leaves the pass is something to be proud of. If you love real cooking, care about the people around you, and take pride in doing the small things brilliantly, you'll fit right in. We're a growing hospitality brand across England and Wales with over 300 sites and plenty of opportunity to grow with us. This could be the start of something really good.
What's in it For You?
- Competitive base salary, bonus, overtime
- Permanent full-time role; 48-hour contract (40-hour contract option available)
- Overtime pay for every hour worked
- Achievable bonus scheme, paid twice a year
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Free meal on every shift no matter the length
- Christmas and Boxing Day off
- Genuine career development with our in-house training courses and 'Step-Up' to GM/HC development programmes
- 50% discount on food and drinks from day one, including alcohol across all our brands (Lounge, Cosy Club, & Brightside)
- No uniform policy
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality - Loungefest!
- Long service awards - Vouchers/Extra money
- Early access to your pay with Stream
- Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity
What you'll Do
- Lead kitchen shifts with confidence, keeping service smooth, organised and on spec from prep through to the final plate
- Be the Head Chef's right hand - supporting day-to-day operations, stepping up in their absence, and helping the kitchen deliver consistently strong results
- Set the tone for high standards on the pass, with a sharp eye for food quality, pace, cleanliness, hygiene and safety
- Take ownership of key kitchen routines including prep and par, stock control, waste, orders and effective shift handovers
- Coach and support the team around you, helping new and existing chefs build confidence, grow their skills and deliver great food every shift
What You'll Bring
- A passionate cook who takes real pride in fresh ingredients, clean specs, and food that goes out right every single time
- Someone the team can count on - you show up, you're on time, and you give it everything when you're there
- Someone who leads by example in the kitchen - setting the standard on the pass, supporting the team, and never cutting corners
- Confident taking ownership of a shift in the Head Chef's absence, from prep and par to stock management and shift handovers
- A team player who helps coach and develop the chefs around them and genuinely wants to see them improve
- Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or a talented Chef de Partie ready to take their next step
Ready to Apply?
We want to work with kind people so if you want to work hard, have fun and be part of the Loungers ride, we'd love to have you. Click the link to apply and we look forward to chatting with you!
Want to find out more? Check out our socials at @TheLounges
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Brighton and Hove
✨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 Lounge Café Bars. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lounge Café Bars
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lounge Café Bars 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 - Brighton and Hove
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 Lounge Café Bars 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 Lounge Café Bars
✨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!
