Kitchen Team Members

Join the Family at The Plough Shiplake

Where Passion for British Food Meets a Better Way of Working

Are you tired of the \”burnout\” culture of the hospitality industry? Do you want to cook high-quality, wholesome British food in a kitchen, and with a wider team, where you actually have each other\’s backs?

At The Plough Shiplake, we aren\’t just aiming to be another local; we are striving to be the best pub in Oxfordshire (and Tripadvisor recently agreed ). Our owner is on the floor and in the thick of it every day, obsessing over industry standards and ensuring we operate at the highest level.

We\’ve built a young, energetic, and incredibly tight-knit team—most of whom have been together for nearly two years. Now, we are looking for three talented individuals to join our family.

The Opportunities

Over the coming months, we will have three exciting opportunities on our kitchen team. We are currently recruiting for:

Sous Chef: A leader and mentor who can maintain our high standards and run the pass with confidence. (starting no later March

Chef de Partie: A passionate cook ready to take ownership of their section and showcase the best of British produce. (starting no later than 29 January 2026)

Commis Chef: Someone eager to learn, with a strong work ethic and a genuine love for fresh ingredients. (starting immediately)

Why You\’ll Love It Here

We believe that a happy chef cooks better food. That\’s why we offer a work-life balance that is virtually unheard of in high-end gastropubs:

Real Time Off: We are closed every Monday and Tuesday, plus Sunday evenings. You get your weekends back and two guaranteed consecutive days off.

Holiday Perks: Enjoy 29 days of holiday per year.

Family Time: We are closed Christmas Day and New Year\’s Day, so you can spend the holidays with your loved ones.

Supportive Culture: Join a team that has stuck together for years. We prioritize a positive, respectful, and ambitious kitchen environment.

Quality Without Compromise: We focus on wholesome, high-quality British cuisine. No shortcuts—just great ingredients handled with skill.

What We\’re Looking For

A genuine passion for \”Best in British\” seasonal cooking.

A \”team-first\” attitude—we don\’t do egos; we do excellence.

A desire to work in a fast-paced environment where the owner and Head Chef are both deeply involved and committed to your professional growth.

Relevant experience for the role you are applying for (though for a Commis, a great attitude is just as important as experience).

VISA SPONSORSHIP NOT AVAILABLE. You must already be based in the UK and have a valid UK work permit or citizenship. Please do not apply without permission to work in the UK. Your application will not be considered.

Ready to apply?

If you\’re ready to trade the \”grind\” for a career in a kitchen that values your skill and your time, we want to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a brief note about why you\’d be a great fit to Jill on

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship

Pay: £12.21-£16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Financial planning services
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person