We are looking for an ambitious, passionate and highly motivated Head Chef to lead the kitchen of our established pub restaurant, currently holding 1 AA Rosette, with a clear ambition to achieve 2 AA Rosettes.
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who wants to make their mark, develop a strong food identity and take an already successful kitchen to the next level.
You will have genuine ownership of the kitchen operation, working closely with the management team to develop a thoughtful, seasonal and consistently excellent food offering that reflects the quality of our pub, our guests and the local area.
We are looking for someone who is hungry to progress rather than simply maintain the status quo.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take overall responsibility for the kitchen, food quality, standards, team development and financial performance.
You will be expected to:
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive, professional and ambitious kitchen culture.
- Take ownership of menu development, creating modern British food that is seasonal, ingredient-led and appropriate for a high-quality pub restaurant.
- Build strong relationships with local suppliers and make the most of excellent seasonal produce.
- Drive consistency across every dish, service and shift.
- Develop dishes and menus with the standards required to progress from 1 to 2 AA Rosettes
- Maintain exceptionally high standards of flavour, presentation, preparation and execution.
- Introduce strong systems for preparation, service, stock control, ordering and kitchen organisation.
- Manage food GP, labour costs, wastage and purchasing effectively.
- Ensure excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, health & safety and allergen management.
- Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure food and service are delivered as one cohesive guest experience.
- Train and mentor junior chefs, helping to build a strong pipeline of talent within the kitchen.
- Lead from the front during service, remaining calm, organised and focused when the pressure is on.
- Continually review and improve the food offering based on guest feedback, seasonality and industry trends.
The successful candidate will have the creativity and technical ability to develop dishes that can genuinely compete at 2 AA Rosette level, while understanding the importance of value, consistency and commerciality in a busy pub restaurant.
About You
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior chef in a quality-led pub, restaurant or similar operation.
- Experience working to AA Rosette, Michelin Guide or equivalent high culinary standards.
- A genuine passion for British, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
- Strong technical cooking skills and excellent attention to detail.
- A creative approach to menu development without losing sight of commerciality.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- The ability to recruit, train and retain a strong kitchen team.
- Good understanding of kitchen financials, GP, stock control and wage management.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy service.
- A strong understanding of food safety, allergens and kitchen compliance.
- The ambition and drive to continually improve rather than simply maintain standards.
Most importantly, you will be passionate about food, proud of your standards and excited by the opportunity to build something special.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to take genuine ownership of a kitchen and its food identity.
- A clear pathway and support towards achieving 2 AA Rosettes.
- The opportunity to develop menus and work with excellent seasonal produce.
- Investment in your development and the development of your team.
- A supportive management team with a genuine ambition for the business.
- A professional but friendly working environment.
- Competitive salary
- The opportunity to build your reputation and progress with an ambitious independent business.
Pay: From £37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Head Chef: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
