Black Horse Café is a busy, independent café and restaurant set in a beautiful rural location close to Earls Colne. Adjoining a popular plant centre, we welcome a fantastic mix of regulars and visitors seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Open 9am–4pm daily, we offer something increasingly rare in hospitality, a genuine work-life balance with no evening shifts.
Food is at the heart of what we do. Our menus change with the seasons and celebrate fresh, locally sourced produce wherever possible, including our own home-reared beef. We believe in simple, well-cooked food, quality ingredients and a genuine field-to-fork approach.
The role
We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our close-knit kitchen team.
You’ll be someone who enjoys working in a busy, organised kitchen, takes pride in maintaining high standards and brings a positive, hands-on attitude to the team. Working closely with our Head Chef, you'll play an important part in the day-to-day running of the kitchen while also having the opportunity to contribute ideas to our seasonal menus and food offering.
This is a great opportunity for a Sous Chef looking for a role where you can develop, have creative input and still enjoy your evenings!
What you'll be doing:
- Working alongside the Head Chef on seasonal menu and dish development
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of a busy kitchen
- Leading the kitchen brigade in the Head Chef's absence
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
- Supporting, training and developing members of the kitchen team
- Ensuring kitchen and menu SOPs are followed
- Managing food preparation, organisation and service efficiently
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and allergen standards
- Ensuring compliance with HACCP, COSHH and Health & Safety requirements
- Helping to create a positive, organised and supportive kitchen environment
What we're looking for:
You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie ready for the next step
- NVQ Level 2 or above in Culinary Arts, or equivalent experience
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certification
- Good knowledge of allergens and food safety
- A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
- Strong organisation and communication skills
- A positive, reliable and proactive approach
- The confidence to lead a kitchen team when required
- Your own transport due to our rural location
Why join us?
No evenings. Fresh, quality food. A great team and a role where your ideas are welcomed.
If you're passionate about good food but want a kitchen career that still gives you time to enjoy life outside of work, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and come and be part of the Black Horse Café team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Colchester CO6 2JX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
