Sous Chef – High-Quality Gastro Pub – Chelmsford

Salary: £45,000 + overtime for extra shifts

We are working with a standout gastro pub in Chelmsford, known for its refined yet approachable food and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

This is a kitchen that takes pride in quality while keeping the feel of a proper, busy pub.

The site runs strong weekend trade, regularly exceeding 200 covers, alongside a more relaxed and intimate service during the week.

This is a Sous Chef role for someone who wants real responsibility in the kitchen.

You will run the pass, lead the team through service, and keep standards high across every shift.

Key responsibilities:

• Run day-to-day kitchen operations
• Lead service from the pass
• Manage, organise, and support the brigade
• Work with the Head Chef and Executive Chef on menu development
• Maintain consistency across high-volume and plated service
• Control prep, stock, and kitchen organisation

What we’re looking for:

• Experienced Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up
• Background in quality gastro pubs or good restaurants
• Experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Confident handling 200+ covers in service
• Strong kitchen leadership and calm decision-making
• A hands-on approach and clear communication style

Good to know

• Bib Gourmand kitchen with a strong reputation
• Input into menus and daily direction
• Mix of high-volume weekends and focused midweek service
• Supportive senior leadership team
• Clear opportunity to take ownership of a kitchen section

If you want a role where you can lead, build standards, and stay close to quality cooking, this is worth a conversation.