Sous Chef

3 AA Rosette Country House Hotel | Ambitious Fine Dining Kitchen

Ambleside, Lake District

£38,000–£40,000 + £200–£400 Monthly Gratuities
Package Up to £44,800 | No Split Shifts | Live-In Available

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sous Chef to become the number two within the kitchen of an acclaimed 3 AA Rosette country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District.

The restaurant has recently entered an exciting new chapter under a newly appointed Head Chef whose background includes Executive Chef experience at a leading London luxury hotel alongside experience in multiple Michelin-starred kitchens.

A brand-new Tasting Menu and À La Carte menu have now launched, with a clear objective to maintain the restaurant's 3 AA Rosettes while continuing to develop the food and push towards even greater recognition.

This is a genuine number-two position for a strong chef who wants to become closely involved in that journey.

The Restaurant

The focus is firmly on locally sourced produce, beautifully designed dishes and exceptional flavour and texture, delivering a dining experience that matches the standards of the wider luxury hotel.

The new Head Chef brings extensive high-end experience and a genuine ambition to continue raising the restaurant's culinary profile.

The goal is clear: retain 3 AA Rosettes and progress further, with Michelin recognition a genuine personal ambition within the kitchen.

For an accomplished Sous Chef, this offers the opportunity to join at an exciting point in the restaurant's development rather than simply maintaining an established operation.

The Role

Working directly alongside the Head Chef, you'll act as his number two, supporting both the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen and its continued culinary development.

Your responsibilities will include:

Acting as second in command to the Head Chef
Leading the brigade throughout preparation and service
Delivering the new Tasting Menu and À La Carte offering
Maintaining consistently high 3 AA Rosette standards
Supporting the restaurant's continued progression and ambitions
Contributing towards seasonal menu and dish development
Working with exceptional locally sourced and seasonal produce
Maintaining outstanding flavour, presentation and consistency
Training, mentoring and developing junior chefs
Supporting ordering, stock management, food costs and waste control
Deputising for the Head Chef when required
Maintaining exceptional food hygiene, allergen and Health & Safety standards

About You

We're looking for a chef with a genuinely strong food background who wants to work at this level and continue progressing.

You'll ideally have:

Current Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience
Previous experience within Michelin, 3 AA Rosette or comparable high-level kitchens
Strong classical and modern cooking skills
Experience leading and developing junior chefs
A genuine passion for seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
Excellent understanding of flavour, texture and presentation
Confidence leading a brigade and running service
Strong organisation and communication skills
A calm, professional approach under pressure
The ambition to contribute to a restaurant looking to progress beyond its current accolades

Working Pattern

50-hour contract
No split shifts
Typical kitchen start around 11am, with some shifts potentially starting from 12pm
Paid overtime where contracted hours are exceeded
Full-time, permanent position

The Package

£38,000–£40,000 base salary
£200–£400 gratuities per month
Potential total package of approximately £40,400–£44,800
No split shifts
Paid overtime
Staff accommodation available, with cost dependent on accommodation
Established 3 AA Rosette restaurant
Newly launched Tasting Menu and À La Carte
Work under a Head Chef with extensive Michelin and luxury London experience
Genuine opportunity to help shape an ambitious restaurant as it progresses
Excellent training and career development
Exceptional Lake District location

Why This Role?

This is much more than simply filling a Sous Chef vacancy within an established 3 Rosette hotel.

You'll be joining at the beginning of a new culinary chapter, working directly alongside a Head Chef with serious Michelin-level credentials as his number two and helping establish a newly launched tasting menu and à la carte offering.

With a package potentially approaching £45,000, accommodation available, no split shifts and a kitchen openly ambitious about progressing beyond its current 3 AA Rosettes, this is a particularly strong opportunity for a talented chef who wants their next move to genuinely advance their CV.