Head Chef – The Piglet at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon
We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Piglet, our recently opened premium gastropub /restaurant with a stunning garden in Locksbottom.
Our approach is simple — seasonal, ingredient-led cooking, whole animal butchery and open-fire cookery. We work closely with our own farm in Marden and a small group of trusted British suppliers who share our commitment to quality.
We're building a kitchen that values craftsmanship, consistency and attention to detail, while creating a positive, supportive environment where talented chefs can thrive. We're looking for an experienced leader who shares those values and wants to build something special.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for leading the kitchen, maintaining exceptional standards and delivering consistently outstanding food. You'll work closely with the owners to develop the menu, inspire your team and continue building The Piglet's reputation as one of the area's leading gastropubs.
You will:
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen brigade.
- Deliver exceptional food quality and consistency across every service.
- Drive seasonal menu development using the very best British produce.
- Take full ownership of ordering, stock control, food GP and labour scheduling.
- Deliver agreed kitchen KPIs, including food GP, labour costs, stock control and wastage.
- Recruit, train and develop your team, creating a positive culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and organisation.
- Work closely with our farm and suppliers to showcase outstanding British ingredients.
- Lead confidently during busy services while maintaining a calm, positive kitchen culture.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve systems, standards, profitability and the overall guest experience.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality restaurant or premium gastropub is essential.
- A genuine passion for seasonal, produce-led British cooking.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and motivating kitchen teams.
- Excellent knowledge of stock control, food GP, labour management and kitchen operations.
- High standards, exceptional attention to detail and pride in your work.
- The ability to remain calm and organised under pressure.
- Experience with open-fire cooking, wood-fired grills or live-fire BBQ would be a significant advantage, although not essential.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Paid overtime where applicable.
- Genuine creative input into menus and the direction of the business.
- The opportunity to work with exceptional British produce and trusted suppliers.
- Farm visits and supplier trips.
- Staff meals on shift.
- Ongoing training and development.
- The opportunity to lead the kitchen of one of the area's most exciting new gastropubs.
Why Join Us
This is a genuine opportunity to make your mark on a growing business with ambitious owners and a clear vision.
We're creating a destination gastropub built around outstanding British produce, warm hospitality and a team culture based on respect, professionalism and continuous improvement.
If you're an experienced Head Chef looking for a role where you'll have real influence and the opportunity to build something special, we'd love to hear from you.
Send us your CV or get in touch for a confidential, informal conversation.
Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
