Job Ref: ELI2996
Branch: The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne
Location: The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, Eastbourne
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary, plus a share of the service charge*
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 40
Posted date: 29/08/2025
Closing date: 12/10/2025
Head Chef – Two Rosette Mirabelle Restaurant, Eastbourne
Since the day it opened its doors in 1989, the Mirabelle Restaurant has garnered numerous awards, accolades and critical notices from the UK's top food writers. As well as being considered one of the finest restaurants in Eastbourne, The Independent voted the Mirabelle in the top 50 best restaurants in the UK and it has held 2AA Rosettes, as well as entries in the Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide, every year since its opening 30 years ago.
The cuisine has traditionally been a Modern European style, with a menu that focuses on the use of locally sourced seasonal produce.
The Mirabelle, part of the Grand Hotel, runs as an independent 50-cover fine dining restaurant. The kitchen is separate to the main hotel kitchen with its own brigade of five chefs and waiting staff. A separate entrance to the street also gives the Mirabelle its own identity and attracts diners from across the South East as well as hotel guests. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and currently offers a weekly changing set menu plus à la carte and tasting menu and also hosts various special events throughout the year.
When you join us…
* As part of the hotel management team, you will be reporting to the Executive Head Chef and you will be managing the smooth running of the Mirabelle Kitchen, maintaining high standards of fine dining within set targets.
* You will be leading and inspiring the team to be creative and passionate about good quality food, making the customer experience one to remember.
* You will have the opportunity to put your own stamp on the restaurant with seasonal and special occasion menu creation, which will also involve managing stock control and adhering to food cost guidelines.
* This will be your chance to pass on what you know to others – we have a keen interest in developing the chefs of the future and as such we are looking for people who are passionate about training apprentices and work experience students to inspire them in to the industry.
* You will enjoy Sundays and Mondays off – working week is normally Tuesday-Saturday.
* You will enjoy a good rest after Christmas as the restaurant closes for the first two weeks in January.
What we need from you…
* This role requires relevant experience in a similar position within a quality-focused operation and may be particularly well-suited to an experienced Sous Chef seeking the next step in their career.
* A high level of understanding of health and safety and food safety guidelines within the kitchen and the ability to enforce this with the team – Level 3 Food Safety training will be given if necessary.
* Enjoy working as part of a team and motivating others
* Possess the ability to work under pressure with good organisational skills, including ordering, general paperwork and GP management.
* The ambition to drive the restaurant forward and grow its reputation nationally as one of the leading fine-dining restaurants in the South East
Standing majestically along the Eastbourne seafront, The Grand Hotel is the only 5-star coastal hotel in the South East. The grandeur inside is typified by the breathtaking great hall, 152 bedrooms/suites and two award winning restaurants. A favourite with families, quality and service is paramount whether you are taking a dip in the outside pool, having afternoon tea or indulging in a spa treatment.
The Hotel:
Affectionately known as 'The White Palace', The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne has a well-earned reputation for excellence. With over 150 rooms, an award winning restaurant and 17 fully equipped meeting rooms, the hotel is able to cater for every occasion.
Why work at The Grand Hotel:
As an accredited Investor in People, we are dedicated to the development of our staff. Many of the team started out in junior roles, but have been offered training and promotional opportunities as their skills have grown. We are very fortunate to have a large percentage of long-term team members able to offer their experience and expertise to the next generation of hospitality professionals – this could be you
Benefits
To support our staff we offer:
* Meals are provided by our talented kitchen team
* We have amazing recognition awards for exceptional customer service
* Reduced price stays in all of our hotels – where you are treated like a guest no matter who you are
For full details of the benefits on offer please check our website:
If you feel that you can rise to this challenge, then please submit your application as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close the role early if sufficient applications are received.
* service charge is dependent on sales performance and not guaranteed