Sous Chef – £57k+ – New Opening Gastro Pub – Development Opportunity to Head Chef – Kent

This exciting new gastropub that opened in June is looking for a talented Sous Chef to join the leadership team from the very beginning. Built around seasonal, ingredient-led cooking with a strong emphasis on whole animal butchery, open fire cooking, and everything made in-house, this is an operation focused on exceptional produce, high standards, and creating a kitchen culture people genuinely want to be part of.

Working closely with their own farm in Marden alongside a trusted network of premium suppliers, the kitchen is designed for chefs who are passionate about proper cooking, creativity, and continuous development.

This role offers genuine progression potential towards a future Head Chef position as the business continues to grow.

Rewards

• Starting salary of £57k+ depending on experience
• Paid overtime
• Genuine progression pathway towards Head Chef level
• Work with exceptional seasonal produce and suppliers
• Farm visits and supplier trips
• Strong support from an experienced senior leadership team
• Opportunity to help shape the kitchen culture and standards from day one
• Staff meals on shift
• Structured systems and ambitious long-term plans

Ideal Experience & Passion

• Strong Sous Chef experience within quality gastro pubs, bistros, or produce-led restaurants
• Passion for seasonal British produce and ingredient-led cooking
• Experience supporting and leading kitchen teams during busy service
• Excellent organisation, prep management, and communication skills
• Calm and consistent leadership style
• Genuine ambition to progress into a Head Chef role in the future
• Strong attention to detail with high standards across food and kitchen operations
• Interest in butchery, open fire cooking, and in-house preparation methods is highly desirable
• Positive personality and team-focused mentality

This is a brilliant opportunity for an ambitious Sous Chef who wants more than just another role — offering the chance to grow with a serious food-led operation and play a major part in its future success.

Send your CV to James at Antidote Hospitality for more information.