At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create delicious pub classics in a supportive environment.
- Company: A beloved village pub with a strong local following near Reading.
- Benefits: Up to £33,000 per year, 40 hours a week, and a genuine work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity for creative input and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and step up to Head Chef within 6-12 months.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Up to £16 per hour (DOE) | 40 hours | Excellent work–life balance
Off to Work is recruiting a passionate Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at a well-established, much-loved village pub located just 10 miles from Reading, in Streatley-on-Thames. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a supportive, branded environment where systems, menus, and processes are already in place—allowing you to focus on what you do best: delivering great food and leading a team.
The Role
- As Sous Chef, you'll be a key part of the kitchen leadership team, supporting the Head Chef in delivering consistent, high-quality pub classics.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Leading the team in the Head Chef's absence
- Managing food ordering, stock control, and minimising waste
- Ensuring all dishes are produced to spec and compliant with due diligence standards
- Maintaining organisation and efficiency in a busy service environment
About the Venue
- Independent, popular village pub with a strong local following
- Known for classic pub dishes and standout Sunday roasts
- A supportive ownership team focused on training and development
- Located in Streatley-on-Thames (own transport or local residence required)
What's on Offer
- Up to £33,000 per year, paid hourly
- 40 hours per week – genuine work–life balance
- Opportunity for creative input within a structured menu framework
- A stable, long-term role in a respected local business
- Clear progression path to Head Chef within 6–12 months
About You
- We're looking for someone who:
- Is confident, approachable, and thrives in a busy kitchen
- Stays calm and organised under pressure
- Takes pride in consistency, quality, and attention to detail
- Is ready to step up into a Head Chef role in the near future
Ready to Apply?
If you're looking for a role where your skills, leadership, and ambition are genuinely recognised, this is a brilliant next step in your career. Apply now and become part of a thriving, much-loved pub.
Sous Chef in Reading employer: Off to Work
Join a well-established and much-loved village pub in Streatley-on-Thames, where you will enjoy an excellent work-life balance and the opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a supportive environment. With a focus on training and development, this role as Sous Chef offers clear progression to Head Chef within 6–12 months, allowing you to thrive in a busy kitchen while delivering high-quality pub classics. Become part of a respected local business that values your leadership and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend local food events, or join culinary groups online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish to share during interviews or networking events. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion and talent in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings—reach out directly to pubs or restaurants you admire. A friendly email or call can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for passionate chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and passion for delivering great dishes, especially in a pub setting.
Highlight Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any previous leadership roles or experiences. We want to see how you can support the Head Chef and manage the kitchen effectively.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application by including specific examples of your past work in kitchens. Talk about your experience with food ordering, stock control, and maintaining high standards, as these are key aspects of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Off to Work
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the pub's menu and signature dishes. Being able to discuss how you would prepare these dishes or suggest improvements shows your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, especially during busy service times. This will demonstrate your capability to step up when needed.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
Highlight your commitment to quality and consistency in food preparation. Discuss specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the kitchen, whether it was in presentation or compliance with standards.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask about the pub's culture, training opportunities, and expectations for the Sous Chef role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
