Job Advert
The Knot Inn is an award-winning and thriving family-run countryside pub with a rich heritage and a prime location for tourists, walkers and cyclists. We’re known for excellent food, genuine hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
We are looking for a creative and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, develop our food offering and take our menus to the next level. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about quality, consistency and developing people as well as dishes.
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading a talented team to deliver exceptional food standards and outstanding service.
You will create seasonal menus, champion fresh and quality ingredients, manage kitchen performance and inspire your team to achieve their best. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who sets high standards, communicates clearly and creates a positive, supportive kitchen environment where people can learn and grow.
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Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team through coaching, training and support
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Create a positive team culture built on respect, communication and professionalism
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Lead with calm, clear communication during busy services and remain composed under pressure
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Manage all day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service
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Ensure every dish leaves the kitchen to specification, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
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Drive food quality, consistency and speed of service
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Create and develop seasonal menus in line with The Knot Inn ethos
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Plan daily and weekly specials that excite guests and encourage repeat visits
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Work closely with the front of house team to deliver an excellent overall guest experience
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Maintain strong stock control, ordering processes and kitchen organisation
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Manage food costs, GP targets and labour costs effectively
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Build strong relationships with suppliers and manage ordering requirements
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Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations
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Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment
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Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen team members, supporting their individual development
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Manage kitchen rotas effectively and ensure appropriate staffing levels
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Work closely with the General Manager to support the overall success of the business
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Lead by example during busy service periods and demonstrate the standards expected from the team
We are looking for a passionate kitchen leader who enjoys bringing out the best in people and creating a positive working environment.
You will be:
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An experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step
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Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and great pub food
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A supportive and inspiring leader who can motivate and develop a team
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Able to communicate clearly and professionally with all members of the kitchen and wider team
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Calm, approachable and solutions-focused, especially during busy services
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Organised, proactive and commercially aware
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Experienced in maintaining high standards of food safety and kitchen compliance
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A team player who enjoys developing others and supporting individual growth
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Flexible and available to work evenings, weekends and key trading periods
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Passionate about hospitality and creating great experiences for both guests and colleagues
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Strong culinary skills and excellent attention to detail
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Proven kitchen leadership experience in a busy environment
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Strong understanding of food costs, stock control and kitchen profitability
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Up-to-date knowledge of food safety (Level 3 Food Safety Award preferred)
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Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills
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Competitive salary with regular reviews
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Staff discounts, events and referral schemes
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Increasing annual leave with service
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Life assurance and group income protection for permanent employees (after qualifying period)
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Opportunity to develop and progress within a growing hospitality group
Full-time, 5 or 4 days out of 7, including weekends and key trading periods. The Knot Inn is closed on Christmas Day, allowing our team to enjoy this important time with family and friends. Flexibility may increase as the team grows.
Click Apply to complete our short application. We respond to all candidates within 5 days.
