At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious, seasonal pub food.
- Company: Join the growing Little & Large Pub Company, passionate about great food and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, career progression, and input into menu development.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine career growth and to influence a brand-new opening.
- Why this job: Shape your own kitchen and develop your culinary skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a quality kitchen and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Little & Large Pub Company is looking for an ambitious Senior Sous Chef to join the Leicester Arms Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong chef who wants to be part of something and play a key role in shaping a kitchen, team and food offering. We are an independent pub company passionate about brilliant pubs, great food and proper hospitality. Our approach is simple: quality ingredients, confident cooking, generous plates and consistently high standards. Our motto says it best: it’s the little things that make the large difference.
The role
- As Senior Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef and Executive Head Chef to help build and run a high-performing kitchen.
- You will act as a key leader within the brigade and be capable of running the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef’s absence.
- You will be involved in:
- Supporting the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations
- Leading services and maintaining consistently high standards
- Menu development and seasonal menu changes
- Training and developing junior chefs
- Ordering, stock control and waste management
- Maintaining food GP and portion control
- Supporting kitchen rotas and labour management
- Food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance
- Maintaining excellent cleanliness and organisation
- Ensuring consistency in preparation, cooking and presentation
- Working closely with the front-of-house team
- Helping create a positive, professional kitchen culture
The food
We want to serve the kind of food you genuinely want to eat in a great British pub. Seasonal, produce-led cooking built around excellent ingredients, strong pub classics and dishes with personality. Think fantastic Sunday roasts, properly cooked meat and fish, seasonal vegetables, great sauces, brilliant bar snacks and food that feels generous and familiar while still allowing the kitchen to be creative. We are not interested in unnecessary gimmicks. We want proper cooking, great ingredients and consistently delicious plates.
About you
- You may already be an experienced Senior Sous Chef or an ambitious Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
- You will ideally:
- Have experience in a quality pub, restaurant or gastropub kitchen
- Be confident leading busy services
- Have strong classical cooking skills
- Be passionate about seasonal, ingredient-led food
- Understand GP, stock control and kitchen organisation
- Have strong food safety and allergen knowledge
- Be calm, organised and reliable under pressure
- Enjoy training and developing younger chefs
- Be comfortable taking responsibility when the Head Chef is away
- Have genuine ambition to progress into a Head Chef role
Why join Little & Large?
We are a growing independent pub company, and we want to develop our chefs as the business grows. This role would suit someone who wants more responsibility, more involvement and a genuine pathway towards running their own kitchen. You’ll work closely with our Head Chef, Executive Head Chef and senior operations team and have the opportunity to contribute ideas rather than simply follow instructions.
What we offer
- Competitive Senior Sous Chef salary
- Tronc / tips
- Genuine involvement in a brand-new opening
- Input into menu development
- Support and development from our Executive Head Chef
- Clear progression towards Head Chef
- Opportunity to help recruit and build the kitchen brigade
- Supplier and menu development involvement
- Staff food and company benefits
- Career progression within a growing independent pub company
If you're an ambitious chef looking for the next step and want to help build a kitchen from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Sous Chef employer: The Leicester Arms Country Inn
The Leicester Arms Country Inn offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where creativity in the kitchen is encouraged. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, employees have the opportunity to develop their culinary skills while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. Located in the picturesque setting of Penshurst, this role not only promises professional growth but also a chance to be part of a community that values quality and teamwork.
Contact Details:
The Leicester Arms Country Inn Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Leicester Arms Country Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Leicester Arms Country Inn
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Leicester Arms Country Inn directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Leicester Arms Country Inn and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Leicester Arms Country Inn
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
