At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen in crafting delicious breakfast and brunch dishes.
- Company: Join Derbyshire's No.1 brunch spot with a passionate team.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, performance bonuses, and a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a creative menu in a thriving independent restaurant.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of kitchen experience and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team dedicated to great food and service.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Second Chef – Lead Breakfast Brilliance at Derbyshire's No.1 Village Brunch Spot!
Location: Ockbrook, Derby
Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Days: Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Type: Full-Time
The Role
We’re looking for a talented, passionate Second Chef to help lead the charge in one of Derbyshire’s most loved kitchens. If you live for breakfast and brunch, love working in a dynamic team, and want to make your mark on a creative, seasonal menu, this could be your dream role.
You’ll be a key player in our kitchen operations, working side-by-side with our Head Chef to deliver consistently delicious dishes, shape menu development, and keep service running smoothly. With a loyal customer base and fast-paced mornings, this role is perfect for someone who thrives under pressure and wants to help steer the future of a thriving independent restaurant.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Cooking and presenting breakfast and lunch dishes to a consistently high standard
- Playing a vital role in menu development and daily kitchen operations
- Leading the kitchen when the Head Chef is away
- Managing stock rotation, ordering, and inventory
- Upholding top tier food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Assisting with prep for occasional evening bistro events
- Collaborating with a tight-knit, passionate kitchen and front-of-house team
What We’re Looking For
- 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, including time in a leadership or supervisory role
- A genuine love of breakfast food and morning culture
- Cool, confident, and focused under pressure
- Organised, reliable, and able to lead a team when needed
- High attention to detail and a strong work ethic
- A team player who takes pride in great food and service
Why Join The Apple Tree?
- Be part of a well-established, independent business with 13+ years of success
- Join a kitchen named Derby’s No.1 brunch spot and featured on national TV
- Have a real voice in menu creativity and kitchen direction
- Enjoy daytime-only hours and a great work-life balance
- Receive bonus pay based on performance
- Enjoy fabulous drinks, team perks, and full holiday entitlement
- Work with a friendly, ambitious team that’s serious about great food
If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-focused setting and love creating unforgettable breakfasts and brunches, we’d love to hear from you.
To Apply
Send your CV and a covering letter.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits
- Company pension
- Free parking
Application question(s)
What culinary training do you have?
Experience
Kitchen: 4 years (required)
Work authorisation
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location
In person
Sous Chef in London employer: The Apple Tree Gift Shop and Teahouse
Contact Detail:
The Apple Tree Gift Shop and Teahouse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend local food events, and connect with people in the industry. 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 interviews or networking events. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion for breakfast and brunch while leaving a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to restaurants you admire. A friendly email or call can show your enthusiasm and might just land you an interview before they even post the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your culinary talents and passion for breakfast. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Derbyshire's No.1 brunch spot!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tasty CV: Your CV is like your signature dish – make it stand out! Highlight your kitchen experience, especially any leadership roles, and don’t forget to sprinkle in your passion for breakfast and brunch.
Write a Savoury Covering Letter: This is your chance to show us your personality! Share why you love breakfast food and how you can contribute to our creative menu. Keep it engaging and let your enthusiasm shine through.
Show Off Your Skills: Mention specific culinary techniques or experiences that relate to the role. If you've led a team or developed a menu, we want to hear about it! Make sure to connect your skills to what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We’d love for you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Apple Tree Gift Shop and Teahouse
✨Know Your Breakfast Basics
Brush up on your breakfast and brunch knowledge! Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, cooking techniques, and how you can contribute to the menu. Show your passion for morning culture and demonstrate that you understand what makes a great brunch spot tick.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading the kitchen when the Head Chef is away, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed a team, handled pressure, and ensured high standards in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This position requires collaboration with both the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Highlight your ability to work well with others and share any experiences where teamwork led to success. A positive attitude and a team player mentality will go a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about the restaurant's approach to menu development or how they maintain their high standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.