At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a new kitchen team and create exciting dishes for the relaunch of the Akeman Inn.
- Company: Be part of Acorn Pubs, known for quality food and great hospitality.
- Benefits: Up to £38k salary, free meals, discounts, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with training, social events, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting pub relaunch and build a kitchen from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and hospitality at junior sous, sous, or kitchen manager level.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Akeman Inn is closing on 21st September for a significant refurbishment - and when we reopen, we want an exceptional new kitchen team ready to bring the next chapter of this much-loved pub to life. This is a unique opportunity for talented chefs to join us ahead of the relaunch and be part of something from the very beginning.
As part of Acorn Pubs, part of Brunning & Price, we're looking for passionate chefs who want more than just a job. We want people who are excited by the chance to train, develop, create and launch a kitchen together. This isn't your typical kitchen start. Instead of walking into a busy service on your first day and being expected to just get on with it, you'll benefit from a full induction and training programme before the pub relaunches.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Get to know your new team before the doors even open
- Take part in menu cook-offs and get hands-on with every dish
- Receive dedicated training and support from our experienced training team
- Build your confidence, skills and knowledge before going live in the kitchen
- Learn how the kitchen will work, together, as one brand-new team
- Be there for the excitement of launching the newly refurbished Akeman Inn
Then comes the best bit: The doors open, the kitchen goes live and you'll be part of the team bringing the new Akeman Inn to life. Whether you're an experienced Chef de Partie, a talented Commis Chef ready for your next step, or an ambitious Sous Chef looking for a new challenge, if you love fresh food, enjoy working as part of a strong team and want the opportunity to be involved in something special from day one, we'd love to hear from you.
At Acorn Pubs and Brunning & Price, we believe in giving chefs the opportunity to develop their careers, learn from great people and work in kitchens where quality food and great hospitality really matter.
Why join the Akeman Inn relaunch?
- A unique opportunity to join before opening
- Full induction and structured training programme
- Menu cook-offs and hands-on training
- Dedicated support from our experienced training team
- The chance to build a new kitchen team from the ground up
- Fresh, seasonal food and quality ingredients
- Excellent career development opportunities across Acorn Pubs and Brunning & Price
- Be part of the excitement of a major pub relaunch!
The Akeman Inn is getting ready for its next chapter. Want to be part of the team that writes it? Apply now and be part of something special.
And there's plenty in it for you!
Our Offer: Basic up to 38k, plus tronc (that's your card tips that are paid into your bank). Great cash tips.
The Extras:
- Free meals on shift, choose from the menu!
- 30% discount for you, your friends and family across Acorn Pubs, Brunning & Price and our group including wagamama and selected airport pubs and restaurants.
- NEST pension.
- Life assurance.
- Great discounts via Perks on Tap saving you money on everyday purchases and more.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- £1,000 referral bonus for introducing new Managers or Chefs to the company.
- Wagestream - use flexible pay to choose when to get paid.
- Free 24-hour confidential legal and information helpline for you and your family.
- Bespoke wellbeing support offering free counselling for all crew.
- Access to health checks and virtual GP appointments.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Plenty of social get-togethers.
- Recognition platform with regular thank-yous.
We want you to grow with us! Superb internal and external development programmes to support your progress. Earn while you learn - we partner with national training provider HIT to support our work-based Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef apprenticeships. Advanced Leadership Skills course enhancing self-awareness and soft skills. We encourage movement between our pubs so you can have a long-term career with us.
About you: Previous experience in catering and hospitality in a restaurant, gastro pub or hotel at junior sous, sous or kitchen manager level is essential, as well as a positive attitude. Working alongside the Head Chef you'll be responsible for running the kitchen, driving the food culture and keeping your team and our customers engaged with exciting new dishes.
About Acorn Pubs: A collection of 10 pubs, 6 of which have bedrooms. Our wider company, Brunning and Price, includes 79 pubs across the country. A company with heart, where individuality, personality and diversity are encouraged. A company committed to reducing our carbon footprint, working sustainably and supporting our local communities.
Are you ready to be part of a family where you can genuinely make a difference to your pub? Then make your next career move something special and apply now!
Chef - Ham Green in London employer: Acorn Pubs
At Acorn Pubs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion and creativity in the kitchen. With a unique opportunity to join the Akeman Inn before its relaunch, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a supportive team environment, and excellent career development opportunities across our network of pubs. Enjoy a vibrant work culture that prioritises fresh food, quality ingredients, and employee wellbeing, making it a truly rewarding place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Ham Green in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Acorn Pubs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Acorn Pubs
Don't be shy about reaching out to Acorn Pubs directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Ham Green in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Acorn Pubs and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Pubs
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!