Sous Chef - Sponsorship Available

Acorn Pubs; Ham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

30% staff discount across Acorn Pubs &

Nest pension

Life assurance

Perks discounts via Perks on Tap

Cycle to work scheme

£1,000 referral bonus

Job summary

The Crooked Billet, part of Acorn Pubs, is transforming its kitchen and recruiting passionate chefs to join from day one to shape the menu and culture at a flagship pub."

You’ll lead with the Head Chef, build a high‑performing team and influence the food experience while maintaining top quality and presentation. This is a hands‑on leadership role offering visa support, great benefits and growth within Acorn Pubs.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in catering and hospitality in a restaurant, gastro pub or hotel at junior sous, sous or kitchen manager level is essential.
• Positive attitude and a passion for good food and people.
• Willingness to lead, develop and train a team from day one.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen alongside the Head Chef, setting standards and culture from day one.
• Drive the food culture, menus and ongoing development of dishes.
• Inspire and develop staff to deliver consistent, high-quality service to customers.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Team building

Food quality & presentation

Job description

A brand-new kitchen. A brand-new chapter. Your opportunity to make your mark.

The Crooked Billet is about to become something very special – and we’re building a kitchen team to make it happen.

Following a significant investment and an exciting transformation, The Crooked Billet is joining Acorn Pubs, part of the Brunning & Price family.

We’re creating a completely new food experience and are looking for passionate chefs to join us from the beginning.

This isn't about stepping into an established kitchen.

This is your chance to help create it.

Be part of the story

The Crooked Billet is being transformed into a flagship pub with a fresh identity, a beautifully designed space and a food offer designed to make people want to come back.

As part of the kitchen team, you’ll have a genuine opportunity to help shape that offer.

We’re looking for chefs who care about what goes on the plate.

Chefs who enjoy working with great ingredients, take pride in consistency and presentation, and understand that pub food can be both generous and seriously good.

You’ll be joining at the point where the kitchen is being created, helping establish the standards, systems and culture from day one.

You’ll have the opportunity to build your team, influence the menu and develop a kitchen that you can genuinely be proud of.

We’re looking for leaders who can combine strong kitchen skills with the ability to inspire and develop people.

And there’s plenty in it for you!

Our Offer

Basic up to £36k, plus tronc (that’s your card tips that are paid into your bank).

Opportunity to earn an additional £2k a year through our Management Bonus Scheme

Full support with transfer of existing Skilled Worker visa if required

Great cash tips.

The Extras

• We know you work hard so we feed you well - free meals on shift, choose from the menu!
• 30% discount for you, your friends and family across Acorn Pubs, Brunning & Price and our group including wagamama and selected airport pubs and restaurants.
• It’s never too early to start saving for the future with a NEST pension.
• Protection for your family with life assurance.
• Great discounts via Perks on Tapsaving you money on everyday purchases and more.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• £1,000 referral bonus for introducing new Managers or Chefsto the company.
• Wagestream - use flexiblepay to choose when to get paid.

Your Wellbeing – it’s important to us!

• Free 24-hour confidential legal and information helpline for you and your family.
• Bespoke wellbeing support offering free counselling for all crew.
• Access to health checks and virtual GP appointments.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Plenty of social get togethers – it’s not all work and no play.
• Recognition platform with regular thankyous.

We want you to grow with us!

Superb internal and external development programmes to support your progress.

Earn while you learn - we partner with national training provider HIT to support our work-based Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef apprenticeships.

Advanced Leadership Skills course enhancing self-awareness and soft skills.

We encourage movement between our pubs so you can have a long-term career with us.

About you...

Previous experience in catering and hospitality in a restaurant, gastro pub or hotel at junior sous, sous or kitchen manager level is essential, as well as a positive attitude. Working alongside the Head Chef you’ll be responsible for running the kitchen, driving the food culture and keeping your team and our customers engaged with exciting new dishes.

About Acorn Pubs...

• A collection of 10 pubs, 6 of which have bedrooms.
• Our wider company, Brunning and Price, includes 79 pubs across the country.
• A company with heart, where individuality, personality and diversity are encouraged.
• A company committed to reducing our carbon footprint, working sustainably and supporting our local communities.
• @brunningandpricecareers

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