Job Description

SOUS CHEF

About Us

Lady of the Grapes is opening a new restaurant near Borough Market in

Spring 2026

. As we prepare to open our doors, we are seeking a talented and passionate Sous Chef to join our founding kitchen team.

The first Lady of the Grapes, a wine bar and restaurant in Covent Garden, was founded in 2018 by Carole Bryon, owner, sommelier, and occasional chef. Our new branch at Borough Market will feature a 70-seat restaurant and a separate 50-seat wine bar.

Lady of the Grapes is a French, ingredient-led restaurant that showcases classic techniques and seasonal produce, with an open kitchen featuring a live barbecue. All our wines are organic, biodynamic, or natural, made exclusively by female winemakers, with an extensive and carefully curated wine list.

We are looking for a Sous Chef to join our women-friendly, collaborative team and grow within our company. Recipes are created by Matyas Plzak, our Head Chef, who has two years' experience at Lady of the Grapes in Covent Garden and a strong Michelin restaurant background. Under his leadership, our Covent Garden branch earned 2 AA Rosettes.

If you are passionate about noble ingredients, terroirs, creative cuisine, and are reliable, you may be the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and consistency. This is an incredible opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of a brand-new restaurant and grow with a dynamic, passionate team.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Head Chef in menu development, recipe creation, and daily specials. Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, and plating. Ensure mise en place is prepared on time and that all food is presented for service promptly. Follow the Head Chef's instructions and report directly to him. Stay up to date with culinary trends and techniques. Manage the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence. Follow recipes, portion sizes, and hygiene standards accurately.

Person Specification

Michelin-star experience. Ability to perform well under pressure. Good knowledge of French cuisine is a plus. Passion for food and wine. Full understanding of HACCP. Excellent attention to detail. Strong leadership and communication skills. Excellent organisational skills. In-depth knowledge of all kitchen sections to efficiently manage operations. Working knowledge of relevant software programmes. Good spoken and written English. A team player.

What We Offer

The chance to be part of the opening team of an exciting new restaurant. A fun, passionate, energetic, and supportive management team. Competitive salary and a generous share of the service charge. Referral scheme (300 per successful hire). Pension scheme. Flexible rota to support work-life balance. Contract of 50 hours per week (offering 4 or 5-day weeks; evening and weekend availability required). 50% staff discount on dining in. Cost price on wines to take home. Free fresh meals on duty. 28 days' holiday.
If you're up for the challenge of this role, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch -- we're excited to meet you and welcome you to the Lady of the Grapes family.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Flexitime Referral programme
Work Location: In person