Sous Chef - Live In Available

The Leicester Arms Country Inn; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Award-winning pub and inn

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

The Leicester Arms is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen team at our country inn in Penshurst, Kent. You will work closely with the Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations and ensure exceptional seasonal dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards.

You will contribute to menu development, train junior chefs, and help maintain food safety, allergen procedures, and overall kitchen compliance in a busy, award-winning pub setting.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef
• Passion for fresh, seasonal British food
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• Calm and focused during busy services
• Attention to consistency, presentation and detail
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen procedures

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen management
• Lead services and manage the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Prepare and deliver fresh, seasonal dishes to a high standard
• Help develop menus, specials and dishes using quality ingredients
• Train, support and motivate junior kitchen staff
• Manage food preparation, ordering, stock rotation and waste
• Support achievement of food gross profit and labour targets
• Ensure cleanliness, food safety and allergen management
• Maintain a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Job description

The Leicester Arms is looking for an experienced and motivated Sous Chef 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 quality seasonal food, relaxed hospitality and memorable countryside stays. We are proud to have been named the2025 Pub & Bar County Winner for Kent, andTop 100 Pubs Good Food Guide 2026 we are looking for a talented Sous Chef who shares our commitment to delivering consistently high standards.

The role

Working closely with our Head Chef, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will help lead the team, maintain excellent food quality and ensure every dish is prepared and presented to the highest standard.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Head Chef with the day-to-day management of the kitchen
• Leading services and managing the kitchen in the Head Chef’s absence
• Preparing and delivering fresh, seasonal dishes to a consistently high standard
• Helping develop menus, specials and dishes using quality ingredients
• Training, supporting and motivating junior members of the kitchen team
• Managing food preparation, ordering, stock rotation and waste
• Supporting the achievement of food gross profit and labour targets
• Ensuring excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety and allergen management
• Maintaining a calm, organised and professional kitchen environment

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef ready to progress
• Is passionate about fresh, seasonal British food
• Has strong leadership and organisational skills
• Can remain calm and focused during busy services
• Takes pride in consistency, presentation and attention to detail
• Understands food safety, allergen procedures and kitchen compliance
• Enjoys training and developing other chefs
• Is reliable, positive and committed to being part of a successful team

What we offer

• A salary of £45,000 per annum
• Accommodation available
• The opportunity to work in an award-winning country pub and inn
• A supportive and ambitious independent hospitality company
• The opportunity to contribute to menu development and kitchen standards
• Genuine opportunities for professional 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.