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.