Head Chef – The Tivoli, Cheltenham
Competitive Salary Package
We're looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Tivoli, one of Cheltenham's best loved pubs.
The Tivoli is a busy, food-led pub with approximately 100 covers, two private dining rooms and a loyal local following. We focus on quality ingredients, seasonal menus and straightforward British pub cooking done properly.
Think game, offal, proper stocks and sauces, local suppliers and generous plates. No micro herbs, no tweezers and no unnecessary fuss.
We're passionate about serving excellent food in a welcoming environment and are looking for a Head Chef who shares those values.
What makes this role different?
We believe that great kitchens are built through consistency, leadership and support, not burnout.
As Head Chef, you'll have genuine autonomy over your kitchen while benefiting from the support of active owners, a highly experienced Executive Chef and a wider group of six successful pubs.
We don't believe in leaving people to struggle alone.
What you'll receive
- Competitive salary package
- 48-hour contracted week
- Consecutive days off guaranteed every week
- A culture that actively manages rotas and hours to avoid burnout
- Support from an experienced Executive Chef
- Direct access to involved owners who genuinely care about food and hospitality
- Freedom to contribute ideas and shape menus
- Long-term career development opportunities within our growing pub group
The Role
As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for leading the kitchen team and maintaining the standards that have made The Tivoli such a popular destination.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
- Delivering consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
- Managing food margins, stock control and ordering
- Working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development
- Creating and delivering seasonal specials
- Ensuring food safety, hygiene and compliance standards are maintained
- Recruitment, training and development of kitchen staff
- Managing labour costs and kitchen rotas
- Driving a positive, professional kitchen culture
This is a hands-on role for a chef who enjoys leading from the front and takes pride in developing both people and food.
Who We're Looking For
You'll ideally be:
- An experienced Head Chef
- Or a strong Sous Chef ready to step into your first Head Chef position
Most importantly, you'll be:
- Passionate about quality ingredients and proper cooking
- Organised and commercially aware
- Calm under pressure
- A strong leader and mentor
- Committed to building a positive kitchen culture
We're looking for someone who wants to be part of the business for the long term and help continue building on The Tivoli's reputation.
About Us
We operate six pubs across the region and are committed to developing people from within.
Many of our senior managers and Head Chefs have progressed through the business, and we take pride in creating environments where talented people can build sustainable, rewarding careers in hospitality.
Our owners remain actively involved in the business, and our Executive Chef works closely with every kitchen to ensure standards, support and development remain at the forefront of everything we do.
Additional Benefits
- Company pension
- Staff food whilst on duty
- 25% discount on food and drink across all pubs
- Refer-a-friend bonus scheme
- Twice-yearly company staff parties
- Christmas Day off guaranteed
- Internal progression opportunities
- Structured training and development plans
There is live in available, a private flat above the pub.
Pay: £48,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
