Sous Chef

Pioneering People; Greater London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals on duty

Staff discount

Wine at cost

Pension

Flexible rota

Career progression

Referral bonus

Job summary

Lady of the Grapes in London Bridge is seeking a Sous Chef to join our modern French wine bar and restaurant. You will collaborate with the Head Chef to deliver high-quality, French-inspired dishes in a fast-paced, open-kitchen setting.

The role offers a four-day week (45 hours), 28 days holiday, and meals on duty, plus staff dining discounts, wine at cost, a pension, and a clear path for progression within a growing independent group.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' professional kitchen experience.
• Strong knowledge of French cuisine essential.
• Experience in high-quality or Michelin-standard kitchens advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead sections and maintain high service standards.
• Prepare and cook creative French-inspired dishes.
• Ensure organisation, mise en place and portion control.
• Support Head Chef with smooth kitchen operations.
• Train and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain HACCP standards and food hygiene.
• Monitor stock, reduce waste and manage costs.
• Lead by example and foster a positive kitchen environment.

Skills

French cuisine

Leadership

English communication

Hygiene

Job description

Sous Chef / London Bridge, Borough Market / £39,000–£43,000 per annum / 4-day working week

Ready for your next challenge in the kitchen?

Are you an experienced Senior Chef de Partie or Sous Chef with a passion for French cuisine, exceptional ingredients and creative cooking?

Lady of the Grapes is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our exciting new restaurant near Borough Market. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a growing independent restaurant group, working within a passionate kitchen team that values quality, creativity and collaboration.

And with a four-day working week, you'll enjoy a better balance between your career and time outside the kitchen.

About Us

Founded in 2018, Lady of the Grapes is an independent French wine bar and restaurant founded by Carole Bryon, celebrating natural wines, female winemakers and exceptional French-inspired food.

Our new London Bridge venue features a 75-cover restaurant, a private terrace and a separate 45-seat wine bar. The kitchen focuses on modern French bistro cooking, combining classic techniques with seasonal produce, an open kitchen and an exciting live barbecue offering.

You'll be working with recipes developed by our experienced Head Chef, Matyas Plzak, whose Michelin-starred restaurant background helped lead our original Covent Garden restaurant to 2 AA Rosettes.

We're building a collaborative, supportive and ambitious team and want people who are excited to grow with us.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you'll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, working closely with the Head Chef and fellow Sous Chef to deliver outstanding food and smooth, efficient services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for kitchen sections and maintaining high standards throughout service.
• Preparing and cooking creative, high-quality French-inspired dishes.
• Ensuring excellent organisation, preparation and mise en place.
• Maintaining consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Supporting the Head Chef with the smooth running of kitchen operations.
• Helping train, develop and support junior kitchen team members.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and HACCP standards.
• Monitoring stock, controlling waste and supporting effective kitchen management.
• Leading by example and helping create a positive, motivated kitchen environment.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
• At least 5 years' professional kitchen experience.
• Strong knowledge of French cuisine (essential).
• Experience in high-quality restaurants or Michelin-standard kitchens would be advantageous.
• A genuine passion for cooking, seasonal ingredients and quality produce.
• An interest in wine, terroir and French food culture.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to consistency.
• A positive, supportive team player with leadership potential.
• Good spoken and written English.
• The right to work in the UK.

What's On Offer?

• £39,000–£43,000 annual salary, depending on experience.
• Four-day working week (45 hours).
• 28 days' annual holiday.
• Free freshly prepared meals while on duty.
• 50% staff discount on dining (for up to four people).
• Wine at cost price to enjoy at home.
• £300 employee referral bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible rota to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing restaurant group.
• A passionate, energetic and supportive management team.

Working pattern:

45 hours per week across four days, including evenings and weekends.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're a skilled chef who takes pride in their cooking, enjoys working with exceptional ingredients and is ready to take on an exciting new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Come and be part of the Lady of the Grapes family and help us make our London Bridge restaurant something special!