Sous Chef – Independent Country Inn, West Sussex📍 South Downs, near Petworth | 💷 Up to £35,000 + ~£10,000 tronc | ⏰ Wednesday–SundayAbout the VenueThis 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.The RoleWe’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 kitchenLeading service and ensuring high standards on every plateMentoring the Chef de Partie, commis chefs and KPsContributing creative ideas for dishes, specials, and menusUpholding health, safety, hygiene, and stock management standardsThe PackageSalary: Up to £35,000 base + approx. £10,000 annual troncSchedule: Wednesday to Sunday, mostly split shiftsTime Off: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, plus the business closes for all school half termsTeam: Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, commis chefs and KPsEnvironment: Independent, award-winning inn with a strong focus on seasonality, creativity, and relaxed high-quality diningAbout YouYou’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 ingredientsLeading and motivating a team in a positive, hands-on wayWorking to high standards in a relaxed, rustic environmentBringing creativity and ideas to a menu that changes dailyHow to ApplyIf you’re looking for a rare opportunity in hospitality that balances creativity, quality, and work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you.
