Chef de Partie

Chestnut Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Wagestream access

Discounts on food and rooms

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Chestnut is seeking a talented Chef de Partie to join our fantastic kitchen team. We champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal creativity and dishes that showcase quality ingredients and thoughtful cooking.

As Chef de Partie you’ll help run the kitchen day to day, support your section, contribute ideas and deliver consistent, high‑quality dishes. You’ll train junior team members, keep your area clean, and work closely with the team to ensure smooth services.

Qualifications

• CDP experience preferred, but not essential.
• Experience in a kitchen role.
• Strong on food safety and hygiene practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present dishes to Chestnut standards.
• Support with menu prep and seasonal updates.
• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards.
• Keep your section organised, clean and efficient.
• Work closely with the kitchen team to deliver smooth services.
• Help train and guide junior team members where needed.

Skills

CDP experience

Kitchen teamwork

Food safety

Local produce

Job description

Chef de Partie

We’re looking for a talented Chef de Partie to join our fantastic kitchen team. We champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal creativity and dishes that showcase quality ingredients and thoughtful cooking.

The Crown is a traditional village inn set in the heart of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a long history as a traditional country inn serving the local community, it blends period character with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Known for its well‑crafted, seasonal food, quality drinks and friendly hospitality, The Crown also offers 11 comfortable guest rooms, making it a popular base for visitors exploring Constable Country.

If you’re passionate about great food and enjoy working in a positive, supportive kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing…

As Chef de Partie, you’ll play a key role in the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen — supporting your section, contributing ideas and helping deliver consistent, high‑quality dishes.

You’ll:

• Prepare, cook and present dishes to Chestnut standards
• Support with menu prep and seasonal updates
• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards
• Keep your section organised, clean and efficient
• Work closely with the kitchen team to deliver smooth, busy services
• Help train and guide junior team members where needed

You’d Be a Great Fit If You’re…

• Professional, reliable and collaborative
• Passionate about fresh, local produce
• Strong on food safety, hygiene and core cooking techniques
• Creative and detail‑focused, with pride in delivering consistent dishes
• A team player who enjoys a busy, supportive kitchen environment
• Experienced in a kitchen role (CDP experience ideal, but not essential)

Why Join Us?

• Team & individual incentives - from days out to trips abroad
• Flexible working hours for a healthy work–life balance
• Tips + Wagestream access to track and draw pay
• Real opportunities for growth and progression across all Chestnut properties
• Friends & Family discounts on food and rooms
• Access to the Chestnut Hub with hundreds of high‑street discounts
• Accredited and nationally recognised qualifications
• Employee rewards, recognition prizes & anniversary perks
• Referral scheme — earn up to £1,500 per referral

Who Are Chestnut?

Chestnut is a growing collection of pubs with rooms and Bottle Shops across East Anglia. We’re proud, humble and people‑first — our teams sit at the heart of everything we do.

We offer a variety of hours to support work–life balance, and we’re committed to creating environments where people can grow, feel supported and genuinely enjoy what they do.