Sous Chef - Luxury Hotel

Sous Chef

Up to £42,000 per annum plus tronc and fantastic benefits

45 hours per week across 5 days. Regular weekends and evenings.

Due to the location of the Estate a driving licence is recommended for this role

Advert closes: Monday 9 February 2026

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🔗Read the full job description here

🔗Read our example menu

Lead from the pass. Champion exceptional food. Inspire the next generation of chefs.

Our Sous Chef

As Sous Chef within The Botanical Rooms, you'll work closely with the Head Chef and alongside another Sous Chef to deliver an outstanding fine-dining experience rooted in seasonality, sustainability and farm-to-fork principles. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll help drive kitchen operations, uphold exceptional food quality and presentation, and play a key part in mentoring and developing a talented brigade. You’ll be calm under pressure, passionate about ingredients, and committed to delivering unforgettable guest experiences every service.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen and business operations
• Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
• Assist with staffing control, rota planning and team productivity
• Train, mentor and support junior and senior kitchen team members
• Manage ordering, stock control and cost efficiency
• Maintain strict standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP and workplace safety
• Support menu development, launches and daily kitchen reporting

What we can offer

• Base salary of £38,000 + OTE up to £42,000
• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience at Junior Sous Chef level or above within a fine-dining or luxury environment
• Confident, approachable leadership style
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced kitchen
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and consistency
• Passion for seasonal, ingredient-led cooking
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance

Where you’ll be working

A contemporary take on British fine-dining, we offer a true farm to fork experience in a beautifully designed, atmospheric 60 cover restaurant. All food is prepared in our kitchen with ingredients fresh from our gardens or locally sourced, ensuring quality and seasonality. Our talented chefs ensure each ingredient is elevated to its highest potential - creating an unforgettable experience. Open for breakfast through to dinner, we offer cream tea in the library and early evening cocktails on the terrace.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR