Junior Sous Chef / Senior Chef de Partie – The Eight Bells, Bolney
Pay: £26,400 – £30,900 per year, depending on experience and ability
Job Type: Full-time
Location: The Eight Bells, Bolney, West Sussex
Work Location: In person
We are looking for an ambitious and capable chef to join the kitchen team at The Eight Bells, a recently reopened village pub in Bolney, West Sussex, already building a great reputation for fresh food, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality.
This role would be ideal for a strong Chef de Partie who is ready to take the next step, or someone looking to grow into a Junior Sous Chef role within a busy and supportive kitchen.
We are not looking for someone chasing Michelin stars — we are looking for someone who genuinely cares about food, takes pride in what goes on the plate, and wants to be part of a growing business with a friendly team and a great atmosphere.
You will be cooking with fresh produce, working with local suppliers where possible, and helping to deliver consistent, high-quality dishes in a thriving village pub. As the role develops, there will be the opportunity to learn how to lead service, support the kitchen team, and grow into a more senior chef position.
What we are looking for
- A strong Chef de Partie, Senior Chef de Partie, or aspiring Junior Sous Chef
- Someone ready to take the next step in their career
- Confidence cooking fresh, seasonal food from scratch
- A chef who takes pride in quality, presentation, and consistency
- Someone keen to learn how to lead service and support the wider kitchen team
- A calm, organised approach during busy service
- A positive team player with good communication skills
- Reliability, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for cooking
- Someone who wants to grow with the business and take on more responsibility over time
What the role involves
- Preparing and cooking dishes to a high standard
- Supporting the Head Chef and senior kitchen team with day-to-day kitchen operations
- Helping to maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Learning to lead sections and support the team during service
- Working with fresh ingredients and seasonal produce
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation
- Helping create a positive, professional, and friendly kitchen culture
- Contributing ideas as the menu and business continue to develop
What we offer
- Competitive pay depending on experience and potential
- A genuine opportunity for progression
- The chance to grow into a Junior Sous Chef role
- A supportive and friendly team
- Fresh food, local suppliers, and a kitchen with real potential
- A growing village pub with a warm atmosphere and strong local reputation
- Input into menus, specials, and kitchen development
- A role where your effort, attitude, and ability will be noticed
Location
The Eight Bells is located in Bolney, West Sussex, with good access from the A23 and A272, making it convenient for chefs travelling from areas such as Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Horsham, Crawley, Brighton, and surrounding villages.
Applicants must be able to reliably commute to Bolney or plan to relocate before starting work.
Experience
- Chef de Partie experience preferred
- Previous experience in a busy kitchen is essential
- Fresh food experience is desirable
If you are a chef who wants more than just another kitchen job — and you are ready to learn, lead, cook properly, and progress — we would love to hear from you.
Pay: £26,400.00-£30,900.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bolney RH17 5QW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Commis Chef: 1 year (required)
Location:
- Bolney RH17 5QW (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
