Senior Chef (Part-Time)
Ye Olde Yew Tree, Westbere, Canterbury
20–25 hours per week (including evenings and weekends)
About Us
Ye Olde Yew Tree is one of Kent's oldest pubs, renowned for its warm hospitality, beautiful setting, and exceptional handmade food. As a destination dining venue with outstanding customer reviews, we pride ourselves on delivering consistently high standards using quality, locally sourced ingredients.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Chef to join our kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and reliable chef who enjoys working in a professional environment and is capable of leading the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.
The Role
Working alongside our Head Chef, you will play a key role in maintaining the high standards our customers have come to expect. You will be confident running a busy service, supporting junior team members, and ensuring every dish leaves the kitchen to the highest standard.
This is a hands-on role requiring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a calm, professional approach during busy services.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook high-quality dishes to specification and presentation standards.
- Lead kitchen service confidently in the absence of the Head Chef.
- Support and mentor junior kitchen team members.
- Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency and presentation.
- Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health & safety and allergen regulations.
- Monitor stock levels and minimise waste.
- Assist with ordering, stock rotation and deliveries.
- Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
- Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure excellent customer service.
- Contribute ideas for seasonal specials and menu development where appropriate.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold:
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 preferred)
- Allergen Awareness Certificate
- Professional Cookery Qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent)
Essential Experience
You will have:
- Recent experience working in a professional kitchen.
- Experience cooking fresh food to a consistently high standard.
- Confidence leading a kitchen team during service.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.
- A strong understanding of food safety and allergen legislation.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Personal Qualities
We're looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about producing outstanding food.
- Calm and organised under pressure.
- Reliable and punctual.
- A positive, supportive team player.
- Professional with excellent attention to detail.
- Proud of their work and committed to maintaining exceptionally high standards.
- Flexible to work evenings, weekends and busy seasonal periods.
Hours
- 20–25 hours per week
- Includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
Why Join Us?
At Ye Olde Yew Tree, you'll be joining a passionate team committed to delivering exceptional food and hospitality. Our reputation is built on quality, and we're proud to be recognised as a destination pub with excellent customer reviews. If you're looking to work somewhere that values craftsmanship, teamwork and high standards, we'd love to hear from you.
To Apply
Please send your CV along with a brief covering letter explaining why you'd be a great fit for the team at Ye Olde Yew Tree.
Ye Olde Yew Tree
Westbere, Canterbury
"Great food, genuine hospitality, and a team that's proud of what we do."
Pay: £12.71-£14.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
