Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The White Lion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead our kitchen team, create delicious dishes, and ensure top-notch service.
  • Company: Join London's biggest independent pub company with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Enjoy team trips, socials, and a supportive atmosphere.
  • Why this job: Be part of a new opening and make a real impact in a fun environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are looking for an outstanding and talented Sous Chef to join our team. On the menu, our all-day food offer focuses on seasonality and sharing - from small plates to hearty gastropub classics - while weekends are all about Saturday brunch and stunning Sunday roasts. Behind the bar you'll find the best of London’s craft beer scene, classic cocktails, small-batch gins and artisan wines. Located opposite Balham station, we’re the perfect spot for a few pints, a quick bite, or dinner with friends and family, and our street-side terrace is made for al fresco drinking and dining.

This amazing opportunity is ideal for someone who loves working with fresh premium and seasonal products and preferably has experience within gastro pubs; loves working in a busy kitchen; understands and delivers a perfect service with or without the Head Chef present; can lead the kitchen team to success consistently and is excited by innovation and change to secure outstanding results for the business.

You Are:

  • Able to take responsibility for our kitchen team in absence of the Head Chef to ensure service, safety and security expectations are all met to the highest of standards.
  • Passionate about training our team to ensure they have the knowledge needed to excite our customers and deliver outstanding food.
  • Able to work with the Head Chef to train and uphold the agreed standards.
  • Able to assist the General Manager and Head Chef in identifying potential opportunities and products to maximise sales and enhance the customer experience.
  • Able to prepare and present all our food dishes to an outstanding standard of presentation as appropriate for the day of the week and time of day.
  • Able to support the Head Chef in the development, implementation and review of the menu to maximise sales in line with pub vision and business plan.

What's in it for me:

  • Competitive salary + bonus.
  • Be part of a brand new opening.
  • Training and development.
  • Career progression and promotion opportunities with regular new openings around the corner.
  • Get out and about, you automatically get discounts across all our pubs, bars and restaurants.
  • Team trips, regular incentives and socials – a fun, family atmosphere.
  • Goes without saying, but we’ll feed you during your shift.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support you across those tough times.
  • Good people know good people - an awesome referral scheme where you can earn up to £1000 per successful referral.
  • Birthdays are for celebrating, so have the day off on us.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

Interested in hearing more? Get in touch so we can schedule a show around, rub some shoulders together, have a laugh and make some magic!

Sous Chef employer: The White Lion

The White Lion, as part of Vintage Inns, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a warm and inviting work culture, where team members are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. With generous employee discounts, a robust pension plan, and 28 days of paid holiday, we ensure our staff feel valued while they contribute to creating memorable guest experiences in a supportive environment.

The White Lion

Contact Details:

The White Lion Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Sous Chef

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by the pub and soak in the atmosphere. Check out the menu, chat with the staff, and get a feel for the vibe. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Sous Chef role. Plus, it could give you an inside edge when it comes to the interview.

Tip Number 3

Show off your passion for food! During your interview, share your favourite seasonal dishes or innovative ideas you’d love to bring to the menu. This not only highlights your culinary skills but also shows you’re aligned with their ethos of creativity and quality.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef

Culinary Skills
Team Leadership
Menu Development
Food Presentation
Training and Development
Customer Service
Safety and Hygiene Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for working with fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you can bring that passion to our kitchen.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sous Chef role. Highlight any relevant experience in gastro pubs or busy kitchens, and don’t forget to mention your skills in leading a team and delivering outstanding service.

Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique experiences and what makes you excited about joining our team at Urban Pubs & Bars. We’re all about creating a friendly atmosphere!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The White Lion

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes they serve. Urban Pubs & Bars focus on seasonality and sharing, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their menu with fresh, premium ingredients.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead the kitchen team in the absence of the Head Chef. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team before, highlighting your ability to maintain high standards and deliver excellent service.

Passion for Training and Development

Urban Pubs & Bars value training their staff. Be prepared to talk about your experience in mentoring or training others in the kitchen. Share specific instances where you’ve helped team members grow their skills and knowledge.

Bring Ideas to the Table

They’re looking for someone who’s excited by innovation. Think about potential menu ideas or improvements you could suggest during the interview. This shows your enthusiasm for enhancing the customer experience and maximising sales.