Chef de Partie

Le Strange Arms; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team incentives

Flexible hours

Tips with Wagestream

Growth across Chestnut

Staff discounts

Job summary

Chestnut is seeking a Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team at The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden. We champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal creativity, delivering high-quality dishes in a friendly, supportive environment.

As Chef de Partie, you’ll support your section, help with menu prep and seasonal updates, and maintain rigorous food safety standards while keeping your area organised and efficient. We value reliability, collaboration and a passion for great food.

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen role; CDP experience ideal but not essential.
• Strong teamwork and reliability.
• Passion for fresh, local produce and quality dishes.

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

Kitchen experience

Team player

Food safety

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 Eight Bells is a traditional village property with a strong sense of local identity. Long established as a place to gather, it offers a welcoming atmosphere alongside a dependable food and drink offering. Guests value its familiarity, friendly service and relaxed pace, making it a key part of village life.

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.