Job Overview
We are seeking an adaptable and organised Sous Chef to join our independent kitchen team at The Lion Hotel, Pub & Restaurant. Beyond our daily pub and restaurant trade, a vital part of this role involves leading the food execution for our busy event calendar, which ranges from celebratory weddings and private parties to respectful funeral wakes.
As a key leader in our small kitchen, you will help us maintain our strong local reputation, evolve our fresh food menus, and champion our core belief in good service, good food, and good people.
The ideal candidate will possess a passion for food. This role offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise in a vibrant hospitality environment, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for our guests. The Chef will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, supervising staff, and maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.
What We Are Looking For:
- Proven chef experience: A strong background as a Senior Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef, ideally within a fresh-food pub, restaurant, or hotel environment.
- Passion for fresh food: A love for cooking with quality ingredients and a commitment to high culinary standards.
- An independent mindset: Someone who thrives in a small, tight-knit team and wants to actively contribute to the growth and identity of the business.
- Strong leadership: A calm, collaborative, and positive professional who believes in treating people well.
- Reliability: Excellent organisation skills and a dependable work ethic.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the pass: Direct food preparation and manage ticket times during high-volume service periods.
- Deputise for leadership: Take full responsibility for the kitchen brigade when the Head Chef is away.
- Maintain standards: Enforce strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and EHO regulations.
- Control costs: Monitor inventory, manage stock rotation, and minimise waste to protect food margins.
- Menu development: Collaborate on creating seasonal dishes, testing new recipes, and managing allergens.
- Support kitchen operations: Assist the Head Chef in running smooth, high-quality food services across our pub, restaurant, and Sunday roasts.
- Team mentorship: Help train, motivate, and mentor junior kitchen staff in a supportive, independent working environment.
- Quality & safety control: Maintain high standards of food hygiene, stock rotation, waste reduction, and compliance with all food safety regulations.
Why Join The Lion Hotel?
- Independent freedom: Be a name, not a number. Your ideas matter, and you will have a direct impact on our main menus and event offerings.
- A positive workplace: Work with a team that genuinely values good people and a healthy, collaborative team environment.
- Growth opportunities: Clear pathways to evolve your skills, master banqueting logistics, and grow your career alongside our business.
- Competitive package: Attractive salary, a fair share of tips, and staff discounts across the venue.
Why choose us?
The Lion Hotel is a cosy, relaxed, independent pub / hotel & restaurant located in Wimborne. We are passionate about the hospitality basics done exceptionally well: great hospitality, an inviting atmosphere, and fantastic food. From a quiet dinner to a full-scale wedding celebration, we are a growing independent business looking for like-minded, hard-working professionals to join our journey.
Pay: From £14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
