Chef de Partie

Le Strange Arms; Colchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips & Wagestream access

Discounts on food and rooms

Flexible working hours

Progression across Chestnut properties

Job summary

Chestnut is seeking a Chef de Partie to join our friendly kitchen team at The Red Lion, a Chestnut property known for its welcoming atmosphere and seasonal menus. You’ll support your section, help deliver high-quality dishes, maintain high food safety standards and work closely with the team to keep services flowing smoothly.

Training junior colleagues is also part of the role. We offer flexible hours, tips with Wagestream access, and real progression opportunities across Chestnut properties,

Qualifications

• Must be professional, reliable and collaborative.
• Passionate about fresh, local produce.
• Strong on food safety and hygiene.
• Creative and detail‑focused, with pride in delivering consistent dishes.
• A team player who thrives in a busy kitchen environment.
• CDP experience is ideal, but not essential.

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, busy services.
• Help train and guide junior team members where needed.

Skills

Local produce

Food safety

Cooking techniques

Creativity

Team player

CDP experience

Job description

Chef de Partie

We’re looking for a 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 Red Lion is a friendly village property with a strong community feel and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its food and familiar faces, it attracts guests looking for an easygoing place to eat, drink and socialise. Hospitality here is rooted in consistency and genuine warmth.

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.