We’re on the lookout for a passionate, skilled Sous Chef to join our buzzing kitchen team at The Kingfisher – a busy and much-loved pub, hotel, and wedding venue. We’re all about seasonal dishes made with top-quality local ingredients – no packets, no shortcuts, just proper cooking. Don’t just take our word for it, we're award-winning - Gold Winner of Bedford Business of the Year 2025 and Silver Winner in 2026!
Our kitchen is fast-paced, full of energy, and packed with personality – just like the food we serve. From fresh, creative restaurant plates to comforting pub favourites and large-scale wedding banquets, there’s always something exciting happening behind the pass!
With an established and experienced team, we’re looking for the right Sous Chef to come in to support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the department and lead the team in the Head Chefs absence.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary for a Sous Chef, starting at £35,000 and is negotiable for the right candidate, plus tips (paid via tronc scheme via TipJar)
- A supportive and sociable team environment, working for people that genuinely love hospitality and great food
- Opportunities to develop and step into a Head Chef role in the future
- Staff discounts, meals on shift, and other perks
- A workplace where your ideas and input are genuinely valued
- Employee discount of 50% off food and beverage out of hours
- Free, onsite parking
- Live-in is potentially available if required.
What you’ll be doing as Sous Chef:
- Working closely with our Head Chef to lead a skilled and established team
- Delivering consistently high-quality dishes – from prep to plating
- Bringing creativity and ideas to menus and specials
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and kitchen efficiency
- Stepping up and taking the reins when the Head Chef’s off-duty
- Helping train, develop and mentor junior chefs
About you:
- You’re a current Sous Chef or Junior Sous, with previous experience in a busy pub/hotel/restaurant kitchen
- You’re cool under pressure, a natural leader, and a team player
- You love good food and take pride in every plate
- Strong knowledge of food safety, food cost of sale, and good working practices at Sous Chef level.
- Experience with banqueting, as well as restaurants would be an advantage, but isn’t essential.
- Weddings, functions, and a bustling pub service? You’re up for the challenge!
If you’re ready to bring your passion, personality, and professionalism to a growing venue with big plans and even bigger flavours, we want to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and a short intro about why you’d be a great fit.
Let’s get cooking!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bedford MK44 3SA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Head Chef/Sous Chef: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
