Junior Sous Chef

The Red Lion; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Times Top 100 Companies to Work For

Career progression

Staff discounts across pubs

Fresh seasonal produce

Team trips and socials

Birthday day off

Employee wellbeing support

Referral bonus up to £1000

Cycle to work

Job summary

Urban Pubs & Bars, London’s leading independent pub company, seeks a senior CDP or junior sous chef to drive seasonal menus with passion and commercial acumen. You will lead a busy kitchen, mentor a vibrant team, and champion freshness, cost control and high standards across all dishes.

You’ll collaborate with senior chefs, ensure health and safety compliance, and play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences across our pub estate.

Qualifications

• Experience in fresh kitchen environments—pubs or restaurants.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor a team.
• Strong focus on quality, cost control, and speed of service.

Responsibilities

• Lead with creativity on seasonal menus, balancing quality, cost and speed during service.
• Mentor and inspire your team, fostering a collaborative, high-energy kitchen culture.
• Maintain rigorous standards for freshness, presentation and taste, while optimizing workflow.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene compliance across kitchen operations.
• Partner with senior chefs on menu development, specials and seasonal promotions.
• Drive profitability through efficient prep, portion control and waste reduction.

Skills

Menu development

Team leadership

Food cost control

Staff training

Communication

Health and safety

Fresh produce usage

Tools

Kitchen operations systems

Job description

Join a kitchen that celebrates seasonal menus, champions fresh, locally sourced produce, and takes pride in its community footprint. We nurture each other, value diverse personalities, and believe great food starts with great people.

Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company !Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.

You Are:

• A competent Snr CDP or Junior Sous Chef ready for the next step, with a track record of commitment and stability.
• Driven by great food, seasonal ingredients, and creative flair that gets you buzzing.
• An approachable, inspirational team leader who brings out the best in your team with a culture of creativity.
• A clear communicator, well-organized, and always ready for a good laugh.
• A team player who leaves ego at the door and loves getting things done.
• Experienced in fresh food kitchen environments—whether in a restaurant or pub setting.
• Curious: you understand the importance of a compliant a profitable kitchen while maintaining exceptional standards. Its now time to develop your commercial skills.
• Ambitious to grow and develop within an award-winning company that supports your career.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead with creativity on seasonal menus, balancing quality, cost, and speed during service.
• Mentor and inspire your team, fostering a collaborative, high-energy kitchen culture.
• Maintain rigorous standards for freshness, presentation, and taste, while optimizing workflow.
• Ensure health, safety, and hygiene compliance across all kitchen operations.
• Partner with the Snr Chefs on menu development, specials, and seasonal promotions.
• Drive profitability through efficient prep, portion control, and waste reduction.

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary—cha-ching!
• Work for a Times Top 100 Companies to Work For
• Clear pathways for training and career advancement—your growth matters!
• Discounts across all our pubs, bars, and restaurants—treat yourself!
• Work with the freshest seasonal produce—bring those flavours to life!
• Company and team trips, regular socials and incentives—let’s explore!
• Experience a lively, family-oriented atmosphere—where fun meets food!
• 28 days of holiday to recharge your culinary spirit!
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for your wellbeing—your happiness counts!
• Fantastic referral scheme with rewards of up to £1000—bring your friends!
• Celebrate your birthday with a day off on us—party time!
• Cycle to work scheme.