At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menu creation and develop a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: Historic inn in the beautiful Cotswolds with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Benefits: Free meals, discounts, training opportunities, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance in a supportive and loyal team.
- Why this job: Join a fun team and make your mark in a creative culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior CDP with leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Bell Inn sits proudly on the periphery of Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the gems in the Cotswolds. Steeped in history, the town is the perfect location from which to explore both the stunning countryside and charming towns around every corner. The Inn is approximately 350 years old; we aim to provide the very best in offering great food and premium service at the Inn but take great care not to dilute any of its ancient characters.
With fourteen beautifully decorated en suite bedrooms, we consider ourselves one of the leading Inns in the Cotswolds. The Inn boasts a rare front garden/terrace which is the perfect place to relax in summer with a glass of rosé or you can sit by our log burner and warm up in the winter with a pint or Young’s ale. We believe we are the perfect place for those looking for a role within the hospitality industry. I pride myself on giving my staff the best possible work-life balance and we play hard, work hard. There is tremendous loyalty within the team reflecting a healthy and fun environment in which to work.
What we offer our Sous Chefs:
- Access to our Sous Chef - Head Chef development Programme: the majority of our head chefs are internal appointments
- Autonomy to create your own menus and specials, alongside your Head Chef
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme - Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Access to regular culinary masterclasses and training days to boost your skills
- Free meals
- 20% discount in all Young’s pubs and hotels
- Share save Scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Holiday per year
What we look for in a Sous Chef:
- We are looking for an existing Sous Chef or Senior CDP looking for their next step, who considers themselves as a natural leader with a passion and flair for producing quality fresh food in an environment that makes people feel welcome.
- As the successful Sous Chef you will:
- Have experience championing excellent service through quality food
- Demonstrate a passion for leading and developing a team
- Be an active hands-on Chef with excellent communication skills
- Be responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times
- Working alongside your Head Chef, you will be able to demonstrate your creativity and ability by helping to design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
- Demonstrate great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour
- Have a pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams
Sous Chef - Lead Creative Menu & Team Growth employer: The Bell at Stow
The Bell Inn offers an exceptional work environment for those passionate about the hospitality industry, nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, our team enjoys autonomy in menu creation, access to professional development programmes, and a supportive culture that fosters loyalty and camaraderie. Employees benefit from competitive perks including free meals, discounts across Young’s establishments, and opportunities for skill enhancement through culinary masterclasses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - Lead Creative Menu & Team Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings at places like The Bell Inn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or menu ideas. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for food and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for a practical test! Many kitchens will want to see you in action. Brush up on your cooking techniques and be ready to whip up a dish or two that highlights your culinary flair and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at The Bell Inn, where we value creativity and teamwork.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef - Lead Creative Menu & Team Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creativity shine through. Share any unique dishes you've created or experiences that highlight your culinary flair. We want to see how you can bring your passion to our kitchen!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about times you've trained staff or managed a kitchen environment. We value teamwork and want to know how you can contribute to our fun and healthy work culture.
Be Authentic and Personal:Don't be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your story and what drives you in the culinary world. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team, so being genuine will help us get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at The Bell Inn!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bell at Stow
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes that The Bell Inn serves. Think about how you can contribute creatively to their menu and be ready to discuss your ideas. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of their culinary style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed kitchen staff or trained new team members. Highlighting your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
The Bell Inn prides itself on quality fresh food, so be prepared to talk about your experience with sourcing and using fresh ingredients. Share any creative dishes you've made that highlight seasonal produce, as this aligns with their commitment to quality.
✨Prepare Questions About Team Development
Since they value team growth and development, come armed with questions about their training programmes and opportunities for advancement. This not only shows your interest in personal growth but also your commitment to fostering a positive team environment.
