Sous Chef – The Earl of Strafford, Hooton Roberts | Harper Inns
Salary: £35,000–£39,000 per year
Annual tip share: £2,000–£4,000
Full-time | 45–50 hours per week
Are you an experienced Sous Chef looking for your next challenge?
The Earl of Strafford at Hooton Roberts is looking for a talented and ambitious Sous Chef to join its kitchen team.
Part of the independent Harper Inns group, The Earl of Strafford is a beautiful Grade II-listed country pub full of character and history. With an impressive outdoor area and a strong food and drink offering, the venue welcomes guests for everything from relaxed drinks and dining to weddings, functions and special occasions.
With more than 10 years’ experience in hospitality, Harper Inns has built a strong reputation for quality food, great service and distinctive venues. This is an exciting opportunity to join an established business while playing an important role in the continued development of The Earl’s food offering.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the Head Chef with the smooth running of daily kitchen operations
- Leading and motivating the kitchen team during busy services
- Taking a hands-on role in preparing and delivering our main menu, seasonal specials and function menus
- Helping to maintain consistently high standards of flavour, presentation and portion control
- Bringing fresh ideas and creativity to menu development
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and kitchen safety standards
- Training, supporting and developing junior members of the team
- Managing stock levels, controlling wastage and supporting GP targets
- Stepping up to lead the kitchen confidently in the Head Chef’s absence
- Working closely with the front-of-house team to deliver a seamless guest experience
- Supporting the delivery of weddings, functions and special events
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef, or a strong Junior Sous Chef ready to take the next step
- Experience working in a busy, fresh-food kitchen
- A genuine passion for flavour, consistency and presentation
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Good commercial awareness, including stock control, wastage and GP
- A reliable and organised team player with consistently high standards
- Someone who remains calm and confident during busy services
- Experience catering for weddings, functions or larger events would be an advantage
What You’ll Get in Return
- A competitive salary of £35,000–£39,000
- Annual tip share of approximately £2,000–£4,000
- A flexible rota averaging 45–50 hours per week
- 50% staff discount on food for you and a guest across all Harper Inns venues
- Genuine opportunities to progress within a growing independent pub group
- A supportive working environment where your ideas and creativity are valued
- The opportunity to make a real contribution to the food offering at a distinctive and established venue
The Earl of Strafford is more than a traditional country pub. With its historic surroundings, extensive outdoor space and potential for memorable weddings and events, it offers an exciting setting for a Sous Chef who wants to develop, contribute ideas and be part of a strong team.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and bring your passion and experience to The Earl of Strafford, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and become part of the Harper Inns team.
Pay: £35,000.00-£39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
