At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team, ensuring high-quality service and cooking seasonal dishes.
- Company: The Parakeet, a modern British pub with a passion for quality food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% off at venues, career growth opportunities, and global industry trips.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment that values creativity and personal development.
- Why this job: Join a calm, focused kitchen and make your mark on innovative, flavour-driven dishes.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at The Parakeet, working alongside a Head Chef formerly of Brat. The food is small plates, produce‑led and cooked over fire and coal. Menus are seasonal, confident and stripped back – focused on flavour, restraint and letting great ingredients speak for themselves. This is a hands‑on role for a Sous who loves service, cares about detail, and wants to help lead a talented, ambitious team in a calm, well‑run kitchen. The Parakeet is a modern British pub with a serious approach to food, strong supplier relationships, and a commitment to doing things properly, every day.
What you’ll be up to:
- Service leadership: Supporting the Head Chef in delivering smooth, high‑quality services across lunch and dinner.
- Cooking & prep: Leading by example on section, with strong attention to detail and consistency.
- Team development: Training, mentoring and motivating junior chefs, setting standards and building confidence.
- Stock & ordering: Assisting with ordering, stock control and minimising waste.
- Menu development: Contributing ideas and helping develop seasonal dishes and specials.
- Health & safety: Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen organisation.
- Kitchen culture: Helping create a calm, focused, respectful working environment.
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
- A solid understanding of fresh, seasonal cooking.
- A calm, organised approach under pressure.
- A team‑first mindset with a genuine interest in developing others.
- Pride in your work and care for the details that make food great.
What to expect:
- A competitive salary, reflective of your experience and responsibility.
- A kitchen that values quality, preparation and consistency over chaos.
- A supportive environment where ideas are welcomed and growth is encouraged.
- A balanced rota with a mix of shifts across the week.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us:
- Food & Social Perks: Enjoy 50% off across our venues, our annual celebrations and free access to our events and festivals.
- Career Growth: At The Columbo Academy, we’re here to guide you on a clear path to personal and professional greatness.
- Hero of the Month: Get recognized for your standout work and enjoy a paid weekend off.
- Employee Referrals: Bring in talent – earn £1,000 for Chef/Manager referrals or £250 for hourly roles.
- Global Industry Trips: For our top performers and wine experts – your next adventure awaits.
- Pension via Nest: Lock in your future with our pension plan.
Sous Chef employer: The Columbo Group
The Parakeet is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant kitchen culture where creativity and quality are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee growth through The Columbo Academy, competitive salaries, and unique perks like global industry trips and generous discounts, we foster a supportive environment that values teamwork and personal development. Join us in a calm, well-run kitchen where your passion for food and service can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe before you apply! Follow The Parakeet on social media and engage with their posts. This shows genuine interest and helps us understand the culture you're stepping into.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn or through culinary events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills in person! If possible, ask for a trial shift or a stage. It’s a great way to demonstrate your cooking prowess and team spirit while getting a feel for the kitchen dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for food shine through! Share your experiences with seasonal cooking and how you’ve embraced fresh ingredients in your previous roles. We want to know what makes you tick in the kitchen!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re all about teamwork here at The Parakeet, so make sure to mention your experience in leading and mentoring others. Talk about how you’ve helped junior chefs grow and how you contribute to a positive kitchen culture. We love a team player!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in our kitchen. In your application, give examples of how you maintain high standards in food safety, hygiene, and presentation. Show us that you care about the little things that make a big difference!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to get your details and for you to stay updated on your application status. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Columbo Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with seasonal produce and the cooking techniques that highlight their flavours. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would use them in a small plates menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the kitchen before. Talk about your approach to mentoring junior chefs and how you maintain a calm environment during busy service times.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
The Parakeet values precision, so be prepared to discuss how you ensure consistency in your dishes. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the quality of food or service.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since menu development is key, think of ideas for seasonal dishes you could contribute. Show enthusiasm for working with the Head Chef and the team to create innovative and flavourful offerings.
