At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Head Chefs in daily kitchen operations and menu development.
- Company: The Pembroke, a unique club in the heart of Belgravia.
- Benefits: Best-in-class salary, family meals, and industry-leading training opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a supportive culinary environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant culinary team and create exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in high-end kitchens; leadership skills and Mediterranean cooking knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Steeped in history and situated in the heart of Belgravia, The Pembroke stands apart as a unique club for Londoners. From the spirit of our members to the splendour of our events, we are a home for eclectic and excellent living. A place to eat, drink, dance and meet, The Pembroke opens its doors to those who wish to fill their world with the finest experiences, from cocktails to culture, billiards to business.
Role Overview
The Sous Chef will support the Head Chefs in overseeing the daily operations of the restaurants, events and basement kitchen at The Pembroke. This role involves supervising food preparation, leading sections during service, ensuring exceptional culinary standards, and deputising for the Head Chef when required. The Sous Chef contributes to menu development, team training and performance, and helps maintain a culture of excellence, efficiency and creativity.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Head Chef in developing innovative, seasonal menus aligned with the club’s culinary philosophy and members’ preferences.
- Ensure all dishes meet exacting standards for flavour, presentation and consistency across all services.
- Lead sections during service, coordinating timing, pass control and communication with front-of-house.
- Coach, mentor and develop junior chefs, supporting clear section standards, mise en place systems and best practice.
- Oversee day-to-day prep lists, station setup, and break down; ensure accurate labelling and storage.
- Monitor stock levels; manage ordering, deliveries, and stock rotation (FIFO) to minimise waste.
- Support food cost targets through portion control, yield management and smart procurement.
- Maintain strict hygiene and safety standards; ensure full compliance with HACCP and COSHH.
- Uphold kitchen cleanliness, equipment care and maintenance reporting.
- Act as duty leader in the Head Chef’s absence, making operational decisions to protect service quality.
Events Food Oversight
- Assist in preparing and executing event menus in line with the club’s culinary standards.
- Work closely with the Senior Sous Chef and Head Chef to organise mise en place and preparation for upcoming events.
- Support the smooth running of service during events by following instructions, coordinating with team members and managing assigned sections.
- Ensure all dishes sent for events are accurate, well-presented and prepared with attention to dietary requirements.
- Maintain clear communication with the kitchen team and events team to help ensure timely and efficient delivery of food during functions.
Requirements
- 3–5 years’ experience in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels or private members’ clubs.
- Previous experience as Junior Sous or strong Chef de Partie ready to step up.
- Proficiency in Mediterranean techniques and flavour profiles; confident across hot, cold and pastry support.
- Proven team leadership with calm service management and clear communication.
- Sound understanding of food cost control, waste reduction and inventory practices.
- Up-to-date knowledge of HACCP, COSHH and allergen management.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organisation and time management.
What We Offer
- Best-in-class salary
- Family meal on shift
- Industry-leading Learning & Development opportunities
- Pension scheme – including employer contributions.
- Annual staff award ceremony and party
- A supportive and inspiring culinary leadership team.
- More benefits to be set up as we open.
Sous Chef employer: The Pembroke Club London
Contact Detail:
The Pembroke Club London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with chefs and industry professionals on social media or at local events. 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, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart when you're chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Pembroke, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Consider taking a short course or attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows your commitment to growth in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Excellence: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share specific examples of your culinary experiences and how they align with our commitment to exceptional standards at The Pembroke.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in high-end restaurants or private members’ clubs, and showcase your skills in Mediterranean techniques and team leadership.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and responsibilities in previous roles, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our kitchen team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Pembroke!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pembroke Club London
✨Know Your Culinary Philosophy
Before the interview, dive deep into The Pembroke's culinary philosophy. Understand their approach to seasonal menus and how they cater to members' preferences. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to innovative menu development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading sections and mentoring junior chefs. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in high-pressure environments. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in service quality or team performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
The Pembroke values exceptional culinary standards, so be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining consistency in flavour and presentation. Bring up your experience with mise en place systems and how you ensure every dish meets high standards.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions about food cost control, waste management, and inventory practices. Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and COSHH regulations. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will show that you're not just a great cook but also a savvy kitchen manager.