At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create delicious seasonal dishes.
- Company: Join an award-winning country inn with a focus on quality food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation available, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive atmosphere in a characterful pub setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team in a vibrant culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Leicester Arms is looking for an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at our beautifully restored country inn in the heart of Penshurst, Kent. Following an extensive refurbishment, The Leicester Arms has established itself as a popular destination for quality seasonal food, relaxed hospitality and memorable countryside stays. We are proud to have been named the 2025 Pub & Bar County Winner for Kent, and Top 100 Pubs Good Food Guide 2026.
We are looking for a talented Sous Chef who shares our commitment to delivering consistently high standards.
The role
- Working closely with our Head Chef, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen.
- You will help lead the team, maintain excellent food quality and ensure every dish is prepared and presented to the highest standard.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day management of the kitchen
- Leading services and managing the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
- Preparing and delivering fresh, seasonal dishes to a consistently high standard
- Helping develop menus, specials and dishes using quality ingredients
- Training, supporting and motivating junior members of the kitchen team
- Managing food preparation, ordering, stock rotation and waste
- Supporting the achievement of food gross profit and labour targets
- Ensuring excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety and allergen management
- Maintaining a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment
About you
- Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef ready to progress
- Is passionate about fresh, seasonal British food
- Has strong leadership and organisational skills
- Can remain calm and focused during busy services
- Takes pride in consistency, presentation and attention to detail
- Understands food safety, allergen procedures and kitchen compliance
- Enjoys training and developing other chefs
- Is reliable, positive and committed to being part of a successful team
What we offer
- A salary of £40,000 per annum
- Accommodation available
- The opportunity to work in an award-winning country pub and inn
- A supportive and ambitious independent hospitality company
- The opportunity to contribute to menu development and kitchen standards
- Genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression
The Leicester Arms is part of the Little & Large Pub Company, an independent collection of characterful pubs focused on excellent food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.
Sous Chef - Accommodation available in Sevenoaks employer: The Leicester Arms Country Inn
The Leicester Arms is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in a beautifully restored country inn that values creativity and quality. With competitive pay and a strong focus on employee development, this independent hospitality company provides meaningful career progression opportunities for those passionate about seasonal cuisine and high standards of presentation.
Contact Details:
The Leicester Arms Country Inn Recruitment Team
