Head Chef – The Thatch Inn, Quedgeley
Salary: £40,000 per annum + performance bonus + company benefits
About the Role
The Thatch Inn is looking for a passionate, hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of one of Gloucestershire's most established pub destinations.
Offering a salary of £40,000 plus a performance-related bonus, this is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Sous Chef ready to step into their first Head Chef role, or an experienced Head Chef looking for a long-term home within a growing independent hospitality group.
We're not looking for Michelin stars or social media celebrities. We're looking for someone who genuinely loves cooking honest, recognisable food to a consistently high standard, leads by example, develops people and takes pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Initially, you'll work closely with our Executive Chef, learning our food philosophy, customer base and commercial approach before taking ownership of menu development and the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading a busy fresh food kitchen with confidence and professionalism.
- Inspiring, mentoring and developing your kitchen team.
- Maintaining consistently high food quality and presentation.
- Creating seasonal menus that are commercially successful and aligned with our style of food.
- Producing accurate recipe specifications and menu costings, ensuring they are followed by the team.
- Managing food GP, labour costs and stock control.
- Driving standards in food safety, hygiene and due diligence.
- Remaining calm, organised and decisive during busy service periods.
- Working collaboratively with the wider management team to continually improve the guest experience.
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Has a minimum of four years' experience working in UK fresh food pubs or restaurants.
- Has been a Sous Chef (or above) for at least one year in a comparable fresh food environment.
- Is a natural leader who enjoys coaching and developing others.
- Understands kitchen finances, including menu costing, GP and wage control.
- Is calm under pressure and leads with professionalism and respect.
- Has excellent cooking skills across a broad range of classic and modern British dishes.
- Is adaptable, organised and commercially aware.
- Wants to build something for the long term—we're ideally looking for someone who sees this as a home for the next few years.
This Probably Isn't the Role For You If...
- Your experience has been limited to large-scale production kitchens, cruise ships or international hotel operations with highly specialised brigade structures.
- You're looking to chase Rosettes or fine dining accolades.
- You struggle with teamwork, communication or leading people positively.
Our kitchen culture is built on professionalism, respect and collaboration. We expect every member of the team to contribute positively and treat colleagues with courtesy at all times.
Our Food Philosophy
We believe the best pub food is simple, honest and expertly executed.
Fresh ingredients. Recognisable dishes. Proper cooking. Great value. Consistency every service.
We're not trying to reinvent British pub food—we're committed to producing it exceptionally well, every single day.
Training & Development
You'll receive ongoing support from our Executive Chef before taking full ownership of the kitchen, including training in:
- Menu development
- Recipe specification and food costing systems
- Kitchen financial management
- Health & Safety
- Food Hygiene
- HACCP and due diligence procedures
- Leadership and team development
Why Join Us?
- £40,000 salary plus performance bonus
- Genuine opportunity to shape the food offering
- Fresh food operation with real creative input
- Career development within a growing independent hospitality group
- Supportive senior leadership team
- Staff discounts and company benefits
- A business looking for someone who wants to stay, grow and make a lasting impact
If you're passionate about producing consistently great food, leading a motivated kitchen team and taking pride in delivering food that guests return for time and time again, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: Up to £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
