Opening Kitchen Team The Observer Hotel

KITCHEN TEAM | OPENING TEAM | THE OBSERVER HOTEL

The Rocks, Sydney
Opening September 2026

After four years in development, one of Sydney's most anticipated hospitality openings is almost here.

The Observer Hotel is returning to The Rocks following an extensive heritage restoration, reopening in September 2026 as a modern interpretation of the great English tavern.

Operated by Barrelhouse Group – the team behind The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars – The Observer will combine premium British-inspired food, a dry-aged steak program, craft beer, cask ales, cocktails, whisky and live entertainment within one of Sydney's most historic venues.

We are now building the kitchen team that will help bring The Observer Hotel to life.

We are currently recruiting for:

• Full-Time Sous Chef

• Full-Time Prep Chef

• Multiple Full-Time Chefs de Partie

• Casual Chefs and Kitchen Team Members

Whether you're an experienced senior chef looking for your next challenge or a passionate chef wanting to develop within a strong kitchen team, this is an opportunity to join a brand-new venue from day one and help establish the standards, culture and food reputation of The Observer Hotel.

The Food

Our kitchen will focus on premium, produce-driven British-inspired pub food, combining classic dishes with a modern approach.

The offering will include:

• Seasonal British-inspired dishes

• Premium dry-aged steak program

• Quality locally sourced produce

• Traditional pub favourites executed to a high standard

• Seasonal specials and changing menu items

• Food designed to complement an extensive beer, whisky and cocktail program

Our goal is simple: to create one of Sydney's great pubs.

The Roles

Sous Chef

Working closely with our Head Chef, the Sous Chef will play a key leadership role within the kitchen and help drive quality, consistency and culture from opening day.

You will assist with:

• Leading and developing the kitchen team

• Menu planning and recipe development

• Running busy kitchen services

• Maintaining food quality and presentation standards

• Ordering, stock control and waste management

• Food and labour cost management

• Kitchen systems, procedures and compliance

• Creating a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen culture

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef or strong senior CDP ready to take the next step.

Prep Chef

Our Prep Chef will be based primarily from The Observer's prep kitchen and will support food production across both The Observer Hotel and The Duke of Clarence.

This is a full-time role focused largely around daytime preparation and will suit an organised and experienced chef who enjoys production, structure and taking ownership of their workload.

Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing key menu items and components for both venues

• Managing daily and weekly prep requirements

• Coordinating with the Head Chefs and kitchen teams at both venues

• Maintaining appropriate stock and par levels

• Managing food rotation, storage, labelling and wastage

• Preparing items for refrigerated transport between venues

• Coordinating the weekly transfer of prepared food to The Duke of Clarence

• Maintaining clear communication between both kitchen teams

• Ensuring all food safety and temperature-control standards are maintained

Experience at Chef de Partie level or within prep, production or high-volume kitchens will be highly regarded.

Chefs de Partie

Our Chefs de Partie will take ownership of individual sections of the kitchen and work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef throughout preparation and service.

You will:

• Run your section during service

• Complete mise en place efficiently and accurately

• Prepare and cook dishes to established standards

• Maintain quality, portion control and presentation

• Assist with stock rotation and waste management

• Support and develop junior chefs

• Maintain excellent food safety and kitchen standards

• Contribute to a positive and professional kitchen culture

We're looking for chefs who take pride in their craft and want to be part of building a strong kitchen from the beginning.

Casual Kitchen Team

We are also looking for experienced casual chefs and kitchen staff to support the opening and ongoing operation of The Observer.

Casual opportunities will suit candidates looking for flexible work within a professional kitchen environment, including evenings and weekends.

Depending on experience, casual team members may work across preparation, sections and service.

About You

Across all roles, we're looking for people who share the same basic qualities:

• Passion for food and hospitality

• Strong work ethic and reliability

• Pride in quality and consistency

• Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the team

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to work calmly during busy services

• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene

• Attention to detail

• Desire to learn, develop and improve

Previous experience in premium pubs, restaurants, British cuisine, steak programs or high-volume kitchens will be highly regarded, depending on the role.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who want to be part of creating something special from the beginning.

What We Offer

• Join the opening team of a major new Sydney hospitality venue

• Work in a newly developed kitchen within a landmark heritage pub

• Premium produce and an ambitious food program

• Learn and develop alongside an experienced Head Chef and senior kitchen team

• Genuine career progression opportunities within Barrelhouse Group

• Overtime paid by the hour after a 40-hour work week for applicable full-time roles

• Supportive and collaborative kitchen culture

• Opportunities to work across multiple Barrelhouse Group venues

About Barrelhouse Group

Barrelhouse Group operates a collection of award-winning Sydney hospitality venues including The Duke of Clarence, The Barber Shop and Barrelhouse Cellars.

We are passionate about creating distinctive venues, exceptional guest experiences and positive workplace cultures where hospitality professionals can develop and build long-term careers.

If you're looking to be part of a new kitchen from day one and help establish one of Sydney's most exciting new hospitality venues, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications are now open.

When applying, please let us know which role you are interested in:

Sous Chef | Prep Chef | Chef de Partie | Casual Kitchen Team