Head Chef wanted for Countryside Pub with Boutique Rooms - South Leigh OX29 6XN
Do you love cooking great food? Do you have an infectious positive attitude with the ability to inspire? Then we want to hear from you!
Here at Artist Residence we like to think of our places as neighbourhood hangouts and a home-from-home for the creative traveller, full of soul, good times and somewhere our guests can enjoy from breakfast to bedtime, coffee to cocktails. Our food and drink is simple, honest and tasty, whilst our bedrooms are comfy and bohemian with art that makes you smile. Our culture is like that of a family - with a big passion and drive to constantly grow, develop and be the very best we can.
We are excited to be hiring a Head Chef to join our family. You will be responsible for managing a small but dedicated (and great) kitchen team to ensure great tasting, hearty pub food that is seasonal and uses quality ingredients presented in a rustic style.
What are we looking for?
Based in the beautiful countryside village of South Leigh, we are a 10 minute drive from Witney and 15 minutes from Oxford. The pub and dining room are eclectically designed with lots of art on the walls, with 14 boutique bedrooms and a Shepherds Hut.
Due to our rural location this role requires someone to live within walking distance or be able to drive.
We are an independent home-grown company with a big heart. We are looking for passionate people with a thirst for knowledge who strive to be the best they can be. People who genuinely care in ensuring every guest has an amazing time and can’t wait to come back!
The Role
You’ll lead a small, seasonal kitchen in a relaxed but quality-focused environment.
You’ll take responsibility for:
- Menu design
- Food GP and margins
- Costing, stock control and ordering
- Cleanliness, EHO and strong kitchen systems
- Consistency and quality on every plate
- Team leadership, mentoring and culture
- Clear communication with FOH and management
This is about pride, ownership and building something properly — not just running service.
The Food
Seasonal, wholesome and flavour-led.
Generous plates, confident cooking, no ego.
We value creativity — but always grounded in simplicity, consistency and care.
About You
You are:
- Naturally positive and solution-focused
- A genuine team player
- Commercially aware and confident with GP
- Calm, organised and proud of your standards
- Able to work independently in quieter months
- Excited to coach and develop a team in peak season
You care about doing things properly — and being part of a place people love working in.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and share of tips
- 28 days annual holiday entitlement
- Staff meals
- Working in a like-minded team who share their passion for high quality, creative and fresh food & drinks and providing outstanding hospitality.
- Staff discount
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you drive/have use of a vehicle?
Experience:
- Chef: 1 year (preferred)
- Cooking: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
