Job Description

Job Title: Chef

Location:

The Watering Place, Weavers Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2EU

Employment Type:

Full-time or part-time (hours to be discussed, rota basis)

Salary:

Competitive, dependent on experience

About Us

The Watering Place is a welcoming, family-run bistro cafe in the heart of Sudbury. We pride ourselves on creating freshly prepared food, homemade bakes, and quality coffee served with a smile. Alongside our busy cafe service, we also provide outside catering for private events and functions, offering variety and creativity in every week.

We're now looking for a talented and enthusiastic

Chef

to join our kitchen team -- someone with a genuine passion for cooking, quality ingredients, and great service.

Role Overview

As Chef, you'll work closely with the Head Chef and wider team to prepare and deliver high-quality dishes for both our cafe and events. From breakfasts and brunches to fresh lunches and homemade specials, you'll play a key part in ensuring consistency, flavour, and presentation.

You'll also help plan menus, maintain high food safety standards, and support the smooth flow of service across the kitchen. This is a varied and hands-on role that offers creative input and the chance to develop within a supportive, family-run environment.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare, cook, and present a range of dishes to a consistently high standard. Support with menu development, seasonal specials, and catering event menus. Work collaboratively with the kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service. Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and safety within the kitchen at all times. Follow all food hygiene, health, and safety procedures. Support stock control, ordering, and waste management processes. Assist with the preparation and setup for outside catering events and functions. Help train and support junior team members when required. Be flexible in working across multiple kitchen sections to ensure efficiency and teamwork.

Job Expectations

Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. Work calmly and efficiently during busy periods. Show initiative and creativity in contributing to menu ideas. Be adaptable and willing to support other areas of the business when needed (e.g., events, prep, pastry). Be flexible with working hours -- including weekends, early mornings, and occasional evenings for events. Embody the values of our family-run business: teamwork, pride, and care in all that you do.

Requirements

Previous experience in a cafe, restaurant, or catering kitchen. Strong cooking and food preparation skills. Good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety. Ability to work effectively as part of a small, friendly team. Attention to detail and commitment to quality. Good communication and time management skills. A car and driving licence are preferable for outside catering work.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Zero hours contract

Pay: 10.00-14.00 per hour

Work Location: In person