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 employer: Off to Work
Join a well-established and beloved village pub in Streatley-on-Thames as a Sous Chef, where you'll enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritises your growth and work-life balance. With a clear progression path to Head Chef within 6–12 months, you will have the opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity while being part of a dedicated team that values quality and consistency. This role not only offers competitive pay but also the chance to be part of a respected local business with a strong community presence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish to share at a local event or even a trial shift. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and shows your passion for cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings—reach out directly to pubs you admire. A friendly email or call can make a big difference and show your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and showcase your culinary journey. Share your experiences and connect with others in the industry; it’s a great way to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about being a Sous Chef. We want to see that you're not just in it for the job, but because you genuinely care about delivering great food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a key part of the kitchen leadership team, it's important to showcase your ability to lead and support others. Mention any previous experience where you've taken charge or helped a team thrive. We’re looking for someone who can step up when needed!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your past jobs; dive into the details! Talk about the types of dishes you've worked with, your role in managing stock control, and how you've maintained high standards in a busy kitchen. This helps us see how you'd fit into our pub's environment.
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. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at this lovely village pub!
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. Discuss specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in food preparation or presentation, as this is crucial for maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the pub's operations, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career aspirations.
