Sous Chef - Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge

Sous Chef -Sale e Pepe Knightsbridge

We are looking for an exceptional Sous Chef to join the team at Sale e Pepe, our iconic Italian restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge.

For more than 50 years, Sale e Pepe has been part of London’s restaurant scene, building an incredible reputation and a fiercely loyal following. Today, it combines that heritage with the energy and ambition of Thesleff Group.

We are looking for a Sous Chef who can support the Head Chef from the front; someone who loves great Italian food, understands the demands of a busy premium restaurant and knows how to help build, develop and retain a brilliant kitchen team.

This is not about reinventing Sale e Pepe. It is about respecting what makes the restaurant special while continuing to evolve, improve and deliver consistently exceptional food.

Why join us?

• Private Health Insurance
• 10 days fully paid sick leave
• 50% off when dining at our restaurants with family and friends
• Career development and progression opportunities
• A people-focused and inclusive culture
• The opportunity to be part of the kitchen team at one of Knightsbridge’s most iconic Italian restaurants
• Join an ambitious and expanding hospitality group

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen operation.

You will:

• Support the Head Chef in leading, motivating and developing the kitchen brigade.
• Help deliver consistently excellent food across every service.
• Maintain the quality, identity and standards of Sale e Pepe.
• Oversee mise en place and service flow to ensure smooth and consistent execution.
• Support the management of food costs, stock, ordering and wastage.
• Help manage kitchen labour effectively and ensure the team is deployed efficiently.
• Support the training, development and progression of junior chefs.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards, including HACCP.
• Lead by example and maintain high standards of kitchen discipline and organisation.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and restaurant management team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
• Contribute to seasonal menu development, bringing fresh ideas rooted in Italian culinary tradition.
• Step up and take responsibility for the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence.

About You

• You will already be an experienced Sous Chef, or a strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to step into a Sous Chef position within a restaurant of this calibre.
• A strong understanding of Italian cuisine, ingredients and cooking techniques is essential, alongside experience within premium, high-volume restaurants.
• More importantly, we want someone who genuinely cares about their kitchen and their people.
• You will set high standards, lead by example and understand that a successful kitchen is not just measured by what leaves the pass – it is also measured by the strength, stability and development of the team behind it.
• You will be hands-on, organised and calm under pressure, with the leadership skills to support the Head Chef and inspire the wider kitchen brigade.

Thesleff Group is an equal opportunities employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.