At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, ensuring top-notch food quality and team performance.
- Company: The Zetter, a boutique hotel known for its unique charm and exceptional dining experiences.
- Benefits: Discounted food and drink, 50% off hotel rates for friends and family, and a paid birthday off.
- Other info: A culture that values individuality and supports personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and elevate your culinary skills in a vibrant London setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 31950 - 39050 £ per year.
Sous Chef - London The Zetter is a quiet celebration of intimate spaces, timeless imperfection, and unapologetic British eccentricity.
With our collection of boutique hotels, townhouses, and parlours nestled in London's most characterful neighbourhoods, we offer more than a stay - we curate experiences brimming with thoughtful details, curated charm, and stories layered into every corner.
Our food and drink are an extension of this ethos - carefully crafted menus, perfectly poured cocktails, and service that feels warm, attentive, and never scripted.
We believe that dining and drinking at The Zetter should be as memorable as sleeping under our roofs.
Nestled in a townhouse on one of London's oldest squares, our Clerkenwell home is fuelled by a passion for super cocktails, sensational parties & the perfect slumber.
The Role As Sous Chef, you are a key operational leader within the kitchen, responsible for supporting the Head Chef in delivering outstanding food quality, team performance, and kitchen standards.
You will lead service, oversee preparation, uphold compliance, support menu development, and ensure the kitchen runs safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
This is a leadership role requiring strong technical ability, calm authority, and a commitment to developing a high-performing kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities Service Leadership & Food Quality Lead daily kitchen operations and service execution, ensuring consistency and excellence.
Ensure food quality meets the highest standards of flavour, freshness, and presentation.
Run shift briefings and drive effective communication between kitchen and FOH.
Manage feedback professionally, using it to improve standards and guest experience.
Team Leadership & Development Manage, inspire, and support the kitchen team, leading by example.
Support recruitment, training, and development of chefs and KPs.
Set clear expectations and maintain strong discipline, pride, and teamwork across the kitchen.
Menus, Suppliers & Costing Support menu development across the year, aligned with company standards and seasonality.
Assist with dish costing, specifications, and methods of production.
Build relationships with suppliers and local producers; support sustainable sourcing.
Support stock takes, ordering, and stock movement controls.
Compliance, Safety & Hygiene Ensure daily H&S and HACCP checks are completed, logged, and corrective actions recorded.
Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness through robust cleaning rotas and daily checks.
Ensure safe working practices across the kitchen, including waste and recycling procedures.
Operations & Handover Ensure full handovers at shift end and strong readiness for upcoming services/events.
Support department targets and objectives, contributing to operational improvement.
About You Proven experience at Sous Chef level (or strong Junior Sous ready to step up).
Strong leadership, organisation, and service execution skills.
Confident with stock, ordering, compliance, and training.
Passion for great food, great teams, and continuous improvement.
- What Awaits You at
- The
Zetter: Discounted Food & Drink in all Zetter Parlours Friends & Family Hotel Rates - 50% off for your favourite people A paid day off on your birthday A culture that values individuality, celebrates effort, and supports growth We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics by law.
Sous Chef - London employer: The Zetter
The Zetter is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and fosters personal growth. As a Sous Chef in our London location, you will enjoy unique benefits such as discounted food and drink, generous hotel rates for friends and family, and a paid day off on your birthday, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - London
✨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 Zetter. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Zetter
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Zetter 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 Sous Chef - London
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 Zetter 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 Zetter
✨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!
