About Loungers
Loungers operate two UK chains of all-day bar and restaurants - Lounge and Cosy Club.
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CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 120 Mitchells & Butlers employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2022 and March 2023.
Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
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About this pay estimate
CloseThis pay estimate is based on data from 16 Fullers employees who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2019 and March 2023.
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Take the Breakroom Quiz to compare your job.
Job description from Loungers
We are looking for a Sous Chef to assist our Head Chef in the running of this busy kitchen, leading the team to deliver our wholesome, fresh dishes throughout the day.
What we offer...
- Bonus potential of up to £3.8k a year
- Power over your pay with Wagestream
- Overtime pay for every hour worked over contracted hours!
- Unlimited 50% off staff discount to enjoy outside working hours
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Free meal from Lounge menu with every shift worked, regardless of length
- Annual Loyalty Share Scheme
- 24/7 Employee Wellness Helpline alongside Lounges own Mental Health Champions
- Christmas and Boxing Day off!
- The most talked-about staff party in hospitality- Loungefest!
- Unlimited access to industry-leading training information and support, so you can really move forward in your career
Our Sous Chefs...
Being a Sous Chef means you are the Head Chef's right hand and with our commitment to your training and the rapid expansion of our brand, you could soon be stepping up to run a kitchen of your own.
What we're about...
We're all about our employees and customers, and we never take our place in the community for granted. Our focus is on bringing people together, going above and beyond to give back where and when it's needed most. With more Lounges opening every month, there's never been a more exciting time to join and progress your career.
Job insights from Breakroom
Chefs
Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants, hotels and bars.
What you’ll do as a chef:
- Plan meals
- Prepare and cook food
- Purchase food and look after a budget
- Be responsible for the hygiene and safety of food served
Is it right for you?
This job may involve:
- Standing
- Physical activities
- Wearing a uniform
- Cleaning
- Anti-social hours
What employees say
Pay
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Good
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People are paid minimum wage
Do Loungers pay chefs minimum wage?
Yes. Most people are paid above the minimum wage.
How we know this
94% of people say they are paid at or above the legal minimum wage.Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Good
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Most people are paid a living wage
Do Loungers pay chefs enough to live on?
Most people are paid a living wage.
How we know this
67% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The new Living Wage rates were announced on Thursday 22 September 2022.
The rates are now £10.90 per hour, and £11.95 per hour in London.
Employers are expected to implement the rise as soon as possible but by the latest 14 May 2023.
On the 14 May 2023, employers’ Breakroom Rating will be updated to reflect this.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Okay
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Only some people are paid market rates
Do Loungers pay chefs market rates?
Only some people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
53% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Good
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Everyone is paid the same, whatever their age
Do chefs at Loungers get paid the same regargless of age?
Yes, people under the age of 23 get paid the same as those above 23.
See what Loungers pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 23s is the same as those above 23.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2021 and March 2023.
Okay
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Only some people get paid breaks
Do chefs at Loungers get paid breaks?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
How we know this
48% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 62 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Bad
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Most people don’t get sick pay
Do Loungers pay chefs sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
96% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Okay
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Some people do unpaid extra work
Do chefs at Loungers do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
43% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
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Bad
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Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do chefs get of their shift pattern at Loungers?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 81% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 19% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 62 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Okay
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Some people worry about their hours
Do chefs at Loungers worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
43% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
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Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do chefs at Loungers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
47% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for chefs at Loungers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
62% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
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Easy to book holiday
How easy is it for chefs to book a holiday at Loungers?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
72% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
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Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do Loungers managers change chefs shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
61% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
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Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it for chefs to take sick leave at Loungers?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
55% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Bad
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People work a lot more hours than their contract
Do chefs work the same number they are contracted for at Loungers?
Most people work a lot more hours than their contact..
How we know this
91% of people report working 8 hours or more than their contract.Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, you should expect to work about the same number of hours that your contract guarantees you, most of the time.
It’s useful to pick up or drop a few shifts here and there, but if you often work a lot more hours every week than you’re contracted for, a good job should guarantee them.
This means you’re more likely to know when you’ll be working and how much you’ll earn in advance.
Bad
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Most parents say it’s bad
Is working as chefs at Loungers good if you have caring responsibilities?
Most parents and carer say this is a bad place to work.
How we know this
75% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between November 2020 and November 2022.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
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Good
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Most people feel treated with respect
Do chefs at Loungers feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
81% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 54 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Okay
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Only some people get proper breaks
Do chefs at Loungers get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
37% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Bad
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Most people are stressed
Is it stressful for chefs to work at Loungers?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
82% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Good
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Most people enjoy their job
Do chefs at Loungers enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
84% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do chefs at Loungers recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
43% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 65 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do chefs get enough training when they start at Loungers?
Some people did’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
45% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
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Only some people get support to progress
Are chefs given support to progress at Loungers?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 36% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Bad
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Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do chefs think Loungers head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
81% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do chefs feel well informed about how Loungers is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
53% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2022 and March 2023.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
What Loungers employees say about their job
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Best thing
Great team, paid breaks with decent meals and drinks on shift
Worst thing
Low pay, physically demanding when it’s busy, time not made for staff to take their breaks, hours very variable
Loungers Front of house, January 2023
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Best thing
Great team, no uniform, always busy
Worst thing
The Operations manager, was literally just interested in Labour, Ticket times and bombarding you with constant emails about the smallest complaint or about labour.
Management and Kitchen team regularly work inexcess of 60 to 70hrs if not more. Unable to take any holiday or time off. They use and drain people until they aren't useful anymore.
One of "the commitments" is not making last minute changes to rotas. Company is constantly saying there's too many staff on, forcing hours to be reduces hours at the last minute. This regularly left us short staffed, due to trying to run it on a shoe string.
The constant micro managing is just beyond ridiculous. Nothing like I've ever experienced in any other company. The actual job description says that it's not a desk job, however the amount of unnecessary and crazy "admin" that they expect you to do without a proper time allowance was crazy.
Completely underappreciated and used.
Loungers General manager, January 2023
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