Inba, Bideford, North Devon
Inba is a new neighbourhood bar and kitchen due to open in Bideford, North Devon in June 2026. Inba will be situated just behind Sunshine and Snow, our shop and coffee bar which opened in 2018 and has garnered a supportive and loyal following ever since.
The vision for Inba is simple; delicious, seasonally led dishes created with the highest quality ingredients sourced from a fully transparent, ethical supply chain. Menus will change daily, and with the seasons, ensuring the finest produce is celebrated when it should be. We envisage sharing style plates, ranging from elevated comfort food to creative, modern European style.
Inba is founded by India, who grew up on a farm in North Devon alongside Ruby Red cattle and sheep. Her family are part of the supply chain: many of the organic vegetables that will make their way into the kitchen will be grown in a polytunnel by her mum, Jakki, with plans to scale production for the restaurant and ideally working hand in hand with the chef to plan what will be planted for the year ahead. Meat will be sourced through her brother-in-law’s artisan butcher shop Hiron and Son’s which is located on the same street as Inba. We are committed to full transparency throughout the supply chain, and only work with suppliers we know, trust and are proud of.
You will curate menus using the best produce available, working closely with the owner on the overall vision.
We hope to find someone who feels confident building a small, delicious menu that celebrates the best produce available, with experience in kitchens that change menus on a daily or weekly basis depending on the season's availability. The restaurant will close annually in January and February for a winter reset.
This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef who wants to fully collaborate and lead the charge on creating an extraordinary place to eat, drink and connect.
Key Responsibilities
· Menu creation and maintaining exceptional food quality
· Stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
· Managing, training and developing the kitchen team
· Working closely with the owner to develop a great reputation and standard
· Integration and management of legislative policy and procedures - A high level of health and safety, food hygiene and daily paperwork compliance is essential
· Managing food and wage margins
Team
The kitchen will initially consist of a small team (Head Chef, Junior Chef, Kitchen Porter), giving you the opportunity to help shape the kitchen culture and team as the business evolves.
Experience & Qualities Sought
· Previous experience as a Head Chef or a experienced Sous Chef ready to step up
· Calm, organised, positive and hands-on leadership style
· Comfortable working collaboratively with the owner to create a shared vision
· Strong food safety and people management skills
· A genuine passion for seasonal, ingredient-led cooking and ethical sourcing
Salary & Package
We believe in a true work life balance and that the key to long term success is a team that stays with you over the long time. 2 days off per week as standard.
· 42-48 hours per week across 5 days
· 2 consecutive days off
· Salary of £40,000 per year, plus tips through a tronc scheme. Pay review 6 months post-opening.
· Paid seasonal closure (January and February)
During the January and February closure, the Head Chef will remain employed and fully paid, with annual leave expected to be taken primarily during this time. The position 28 days of paid annual leave per year.
Location & start date
· Opening in June 2026, though we are in no rush to fill the position, we are willing to wait to find the perfect candidate for this role.
· Location: 40-41 Mill Street, Bideford, EX39 2JW
· Temporary on-site accommodation available (small studio apartment) for candidates relocating
This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a new bar and restaurant in a beautiful part of the country, with a business that values community, sustainability and respect for both people and the planet. We are committed to creating a healthy working environment, supporting ethical suppliers, and building an establishment with longevity and integrity. If you’re a chef looking for creative freedom, a good work/life balance and the chance to build something meaningful from the ground up, please get in touch!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
