Chef

Loungers plc; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 9,600 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Discounts on food and drinks

Early access to pay

Career development

Job summary

Loungers plc is hiring Chefs to join the kitchen team at Varo Lounge. This role offers up to £12.71/hr + tips, paid breaks, staff meals on every shift, and 50% off food & drinks from day one. Join a growing brand with a supportive kitchen team across Loungers’ venues.

You’ll cook to spec, support the Head Chef, and help keep standards high from prep to plate. The position suits someone passionate about real cooking and quality food with a positive, team-driven attitude.

Qualifications

• A real passion for cooking and quality food.
• Punctual, reliable and a team player.
• Able to work efficiently under pressure and follow standards.

Responsibilities

• Cook fresh dishes to spec across all-day menu.
• Support Head Chef with prep, service and standards.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe and well prepped.

Skills

Cooking

Teamwork

Communication

Under pressure

Job description

We’re hiring Chefs to join the kitchen team at Varo Lounge. Part of Loungers, proudly named Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026. Offering up to £12.71/hr + tips, paid breaks, staff food every shift, and 50% off food & drinks from day one this a great next step for an experienced Chef, Chef de Partie, Line Cheff, Grill chef!

About the Role

Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who work in them.

We’re looking for a Chefto join our busy, friendly, supportive, and reliable kitchen team. As part of our chef team, you’ll be all aboutdelivering our flexible all-day menu, done right, every time. Working alongside your Head Chef and team, you’ll make sure every dish hits spec, the kitchen runs smoothly, and standards stay high from prep to plate.

We’re a growing brand with 300+ sites across England and Wales. Whether you’re building a career or just want flexible work, there’s a place for you here.

What’s in it For You?

• Hourly pay + tips. Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
• Hourly paid flexible contract. Ideal for part-time, full-time, or flexible work seekers. This role is likely to include evening and weekend work
• Free meal on every shift no matter the length
• Christmas and Boxing Day off
• Genuine career development with our career pathways and bitesize training courses
• 50% discount on food and drinks from day one. Including alcohol across all our brands (Lounge, Cosy Club, & Brightside) from day one
• The most talked-about staff party in hospitality — Loungefest!
• Long service awards – Vouchers/Extra money
• Early access to your pay with Stream
• Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity

What You’ll do

• Cook fresh food to spec; from tapas dishes, to all day Lounge breakfasts
• Support the Head Chef with prep, service, and standards
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe, and fully prepped
• Follow food safety & allergen processes at all times
• Work as one team with FOH to deliver a great experience

What You’ll Bring

• A passion for real cooking and quality food
• Someone the team can count on — you show up, you're on time, and you give it everything when you're there
• Energy, pace, and a positive attitude
• Team player with good communication
• Able to work efficiently under pressure