Location: Taunton, Somerset, UK

Salary: £13.50–£14.50 per hour, plus tips

Estimated Monthly Tips: £270–£300

Working Hours: Approximately 46 hours per week, over 4.5 days

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and passionate Chef de Partie / Line Chef / Junior Sous Chef to join a welcoming pub in the heart of Taunton.

The establishment offers a traditional pub atmosphere with a distinctive out-of-town feel in a central location. Its kitchen specialises in classic, authentic English cuisine, using the finest locally sourced ingredients to create freshly prepared dishes made to order. The venue caters to a variety of occasions, from working lunches and after-work drinks to relaxed evening dining, offering guests a welcoming environment and a quality food experience.

The ideal candidate will have a similar background in a traditional British pub, gastropub, or restaurant that focuses on fresh food, quality ingredients, and classic British dishes. The successful applicant will take pride in their cooking, contribute to a well-organised kitchen, and help maintain the high standards expected by the establishment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef looking to join an established kitchen team, with flexible shift options and the opportunity to earn additional income through tips.

Salary and Earnings

• Hourly rate: £13.50–£14.50, depending on experience.
• Potential monthly tips: Approximately £270–£300, depending on business levels and tips received.
• Estimated monthly earnings, including tips: Approximately £2,960–£3,190 before tax, based on 46 paid hours per week and the stated potential tips.
• Estimated annual earnings, including tips: Approximately £35,500–£38,300 before tax, assuming consistent weekly hours and tips throughout the year.

Tip amounts are estimates and are not guaranteed. Earnings will depend on actual hours worked, the applicable tip distribution arrangements, and the amount received.

Working Hours and Shift Pattern

• Approximately 46 hours per week, across 4.5 working days.
• Working days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and a half-day on Sunday.
• Monday and Tuesday are the establishment's regular closing days.
• A choice of straight shifts or split shifts, with flexible shift arrangements available depending on operational requirements.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working during busy lunch and evening services and helping ensure the kitchen operates smoothly throughout the week.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality dishes in line with the establishment's classic English menu.
• Take responsibility for an assigned kitchen section and ensure all mise en place is completed before service.
• Prepare fresh ingredients and cook dishes to order, maintaining consistency in quality, flavour, and presentation.
• Work with locally sourced ingredients and follow established recipes and preparation methods.
• Support the Head Chef and wider kitchen team in delivering efficient and consistent food service.
• Help maintain an organised, clean, and well-stocked kitchen.
• Follow all relevant UK food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen-management procedures.
• Ensure ingredients are stored correctly, labelled appropriately, and rotated to minimise waste.
• Monitor stock levels, assist with stock control, and maintain portion control.
• Remain calm and efficient during busy services, prioritising orders and maintaining food quality.
• Contribute ideas for specials and menu development where appropriate.
• Support and guide junior members of the kitchen team when required.
• Ensure workstations, equipment, and kitchen areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard.

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least one year of professional kitchen experience in a Chef de Partie, Line Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or similar position.
• Experience preparing and cooking food in a professional kitchen.
• A strong understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen service.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, safe food handling, and allergen awareness.
• The ability to work effectively in a busy kitchen while maintaining attention to detail.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• A reliable, positive, and hardworking attitude.
• Flexibility to work the advertised days and agreed shift pattern.

Preferred Background

Candidates with experience in a traditional British pub, gastropub, or restaurant serving classic English cuisine would be particularly well suited to this opportunity.

The establishment places importance on freshly prepared food, quality locally sourced ingredients, and a welcoming pub dining experience. Candidates who have worked in a similar environment and understand the demands of cooking fresh food to order during busy lunch and evening services are therefore preferred.

Experience with traditional British dishes, seasonal ingredients, and a varied pub menu would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of £13.50–£14.50.
• Potential additional tips of approximately £270–£300 per month.
• Flexible shift options, including straight and split shifts.
• Staff meals provided for team members working shifts of more than six hours.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Two regular closing days each week: Monday and Tuesday

How to Apply

If you have at least one year of professional kitchen experience and would enjoy working in a traditional pub environment focused on classic English cuisine and freshly prepared food, this could be an excellent next step in your culinary career.

Apply today to be considered for this opportunity in Taunton.