Sous Chef – Independent Country Inn, West Sussex
📍 South Downs, near Petworth | 💷 Up to £35,000 + ~£10,000 tronc | ⏰ Wednesday–Sunday
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About the Venue
This historic, 350-year-old country inn with rooms is tucked away in a beautiful village in the South Downs National Park. With log fires, stripped floorboards, and a magical garden complete with its own vegetable patch, it offers guests a relaxed, characterful setting that has earned recognition in leading food and travel guides.
Menus are kept small and ever-changing, showcasing seasonal produce, local suppliers, foraged ingredients, and the kitchen’s own garden harvest.
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The Role
We’re looking for a talented Sous Chef to join the close-knit kitchen brigade. Working alongside the Head Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering a daily-changing menu, mentoring junior chefs, and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
Key responsibilities:
* Supporting the Head Chef with day-to-day management of the kitchen
* Leading service and ensuring high standards on every plate
* Mentoring the Chef de Partie, commis chefs and KPs
* Contributing creative ideas for dishes, specials, and menus
* Upholding health, safety, hygiene, and stock management standards
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The Package
* Salary: Up to £35,000 base + approx. £10,000 annual tronc
* Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, mostly split shifts
* Time Off: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, plus the business closes for all school half terms
* Team: Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, commis chefs and KPs
* Environment: Independent, award-winning inn with a strong focus on seasonality, creativity, and relaxed high-quality dining
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About You
You’ll be a chef with proven experience at Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous level in quality kitchens or gastro pubs. You’ll thrive in a small, supportive team, with a passion for:
* Cooking with seasonal, locally sourced, and foraged ingredients
* Leading and motivating a team in a positive, hands-on way
* Working to high standards in a relaxed, rustic environment
* Bringing creativity and ideas to a menu that changes daily
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How to Apply
If you’re looking for a rare opportunity in hospitality that balances creativity, quality, and work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you.