Junior Sous Chef

The Red Lion, Stratford; Stratford-on-Avon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic pub in Stratford-upon-Avon is excited to announce an opening for a Junior Sous Chef. The role includes preparing fresh, seasonal dishes and training the kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in service and food quality, with 4-5 years of experience in a culinary setting. Join an award-winning group committed to staff development, with benefits such as a competitive salary, training programs, and discounts across the group.

Benefits

Bespoke training and development

Referral bonus up to £1,500

50% off food at Heartwood Inns

Discounts on retailers via Reward Gateway

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering great quality service and fresh food.
• Experience working in multiple kitchen sections.
• 4-5 years experience in a service setting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional service and quality food to guests.
• Train other chefs and demonstrate recipes.

Skills

Service delivery

Fresh food preparation

Team training

Advanced knife skills

Classical cooking techniques

Job description

Junior Sous Chef

On Target Earnings £15.50 - £16 per hour * Including Tronc

We are thrilled to announce our next opening in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Autumn 2025, so we have an amazing opportunity for a Junior Sous Chef to join our fantastic team.

The Red Lion is located on the canal in historic Stratford Upon Avon and just moments from the Royal Shakespeare Company. A listed building, the pub will be sympathetically renovated to create 175 internal covers across the bar and dining room with an additional 200 external covers created in the spacious garden.

We’re an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries that truly feel like home. From the elegance of Brasserie Blanc to the charm of Heartwood Inns, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, seasonal dishes to our local communities.

What we offer:

• Package and hourly rate includes basic + TRONC*
• Bespoke training and development through our Stepping Stones programme
• Access to theEmployee Assistance Programwith Hospitality Action
• Instant pay access through EarlyPay
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
• Up to £1,500 Referral Bonus
• 50% off food at any Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc, plus a 20% discount for family and friends
• A birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
• Discounts on hundreds of retailers and experiences viaReward Gateway
• Cycle to Work Scheme

About You:

• Have a passion and proven track record in delivering service, great quality, fresh food and training to chefs
• Able to work multiple sections as part of the kitchen team, follow recipes and demonstrate this to other chefs
• 4-5 years experience or progression in a service setting with advanced knife skills and working with classical cooking techniques

Heartwood Collection is a multi-award-winning hospitality group:

• Sunday Times Best Places to Work winner 2024
• Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024
• Best Pub Brand/ Concept at the Publican Awards 2025

At Heartwood Collection, we’re excited about the future. With over 40 locations now and plans to expand to more than 60 by 2027, including over 500 bedrooms, there’s never been a better time to join us. We’re committed to growing our team with progression opportunities across our estate.

Join us and be part of a community that’s warm, genuine, and full of life.

*On Target Earnings is based on a 48-hour working week, TRONC is calculated from the expected 6 months' site average