At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen brigade and create high-quality French dishes in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join La Nouvelle Garde, a modern French brasserie redefining culinary classics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, staff meals covered, and discounts at all brasseries.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting grand opening and make your mark in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for classic cooking.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Excited to be part of a new opening in London? La Nouvelle Garde is bringing its vibrant take on a modern French Brasserie to Chelsea with Brasserie Olivia. We’re looking for high-energy talent to join the family! If you love a fast-paced "people-led" rush and want to be part of a legendary grand opening, join us on the floor, in the kitchen, pastry, or at the bar!
About La Nouvelle Garde: We’re redefining the classics! Serving generous, beautifully executed French dishes in lively, high-energy spaces. Our restaurants are fast-paced, people-led and never stuffy. Quality matters. Atmosphere matters. But above all, team spirit is at the heart of everything we do!
The Role: As a Sous-Chef – you are a key pillar of the kitchen, you support the Head Chef in leading the brigade and delivering high standards. You are confident stepping up to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
What we're offering:
- From £45,000 annual salary (inclusive of Tronc)
- 28 days holiday
- Start date: ASAP
Why It’s Awesome to Join La Nouvelle Garde:
- GP Service & EAP discount: access to a virtual GP and confidential counselling, so you’re supported on and off shift.
- Everything is homemade — we receive whole cuts of meat and entire fish, and everything is prepared in-house, the Nouvelle Garde way.
- 100% of your staff meal covered during working hours
- 50% discount in all our brasseries
- More benefits to come
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the brigade during prep and service to ensure consistently high-quality French brasserie food.
- Train junior chefs on recipes, techniques, and standards while providing regular coaching.
- Manage sections and prep lists effectively to ensure smooth service.
- Support food cost control, waste reduction, and stock rotation to protect margins.
- Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP compliance.
- Ensure strong coordination and clear communication with the Front of House team.
We’re Looking For:
- Strong sense of hospitality and guest service
- Leadership and team management skills
- Excellent presentation
- Availability and responsiveness
- Passionate about classic cooking, organised, and calm under pressure.
Nouvelle Garde is an equal opportunities employer, and we view diversity as a key strength of our business. Nouvelle Garde is committed to recruiting, recognising, and promoting all talent, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, or disability. Please note: All applicants must hold a valid visa or the right to work in the UK.
Sous Chef in London employer: Nouvelle Garde
La Nouvelle Garde is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment in the heart of Chelsea. With a strong emphasis on team spirit and quality, employees enjoy generous benefits including a competitive salary, 28 days of holiday, and comprehensive support through our GP Service & EAP discount. Join us to be part of a legendary grand opening where your culinary skills will flourish, and you will have ample opportunities for growth and development in a fast-paced, people-led atmosphere.
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 Nouvelle Garde. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Nouvelle Garde
Don't be shy about reaching out to 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
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 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 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!
