Chef de Partie – Seasonal, Award-Winning Pub Kitchen

The Leicester Arms Country Inn; Penshurst; On-site; GBP 13,776 - 23,419; Full time

Job summary

The Leicester Arms Country Inn in Penshurst, Kent, is seeking a talented Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team at this award-winning, country pub and inn.

You will lead your section, work closely with the Head Chef to deliver high-quality seasonal dishes, maintain food safety standards, and help develop menus, with pay up to £17 per hour for a full-time permanent position.

Qualifications

• Experience as Chef de Partie or experienced Commis Chef ready to progress.
• Passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and quality.
• Pride in presentation and consistency.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook fresh seasonal dishes to a high standard.
• Manage your section efficiently before, during and after service.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented correctly.
• Support junior chefs and kitchen assistants when required.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation to high standards.
• Follow all food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures.
• Monitor stock levels, rotation and waste within your section.
• Contribute ideas for dishes, specials and menu development.
• Work collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Seasonal food knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Teamwork

Job description

The Leicester Arms is looking for a talented and dependable Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team at our beautifully restored country inn in the heart of Penshurst, Kent.

Following an extensive refurbishment, The Leicester Arms has established itself as a popular destination for seasonal food, relaxed hospitality and memorable countryside stays. We are proud to have been named the 2025 Pub & Bar County Winner for Kent & Top 100 Pubs 2025 from the Good Food Guide, and we are looking for a chef who shares our commitment to quality, consistency and excellent presentation.

The role

As Chef de Partie, you will take responsibility for your section and work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef to deliver consistently high standards throughout every service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and cooking fresh, seasonal dishes to a consistently high standard
• Managing your section efficiently before, during and after service
• Ensuring all food is prepared, cooked and presented correctly
• Supporting junior chefs and kitchen assistants when required
• Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and organisation
• Following all food safety, allergen and health and safety procedures
• Monitoring stock levels, rotation and waste within your section
• Contributing ideas for dishes, specials and menu development
• Working collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Chef de Partie or an experienced Commis Chef ready to progress
• Is passionate about fresh, seasonal food and quality ingredients
• Takes pride in presentation, consistency and attention to detail
• Can work calmly and efficiently during busy services
• Has strong organisational and time-management skills
• Understands food safety, allergen procedures and kitchen compliance
• Is reliable, positive and keen to develop
• Enjoys working as part of a professional and supportive team

What we offer

• Pay of up to £17 per hour, depending on experience
• A full-time, permanent position
• The opportunity to work in an award-winning country pub and inn
• A supportive and ambitious independent hospitality company
• High-quality ingredients and a seasonal food-led menu
• Opportunities for training, development and career progression

The Leicester Arms is part of the Little & Large Pub Company, an independent collection of characterful pubs focused on excellent food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.