At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create innovative dishes, and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join Ardent Pub Group, a B-Corp certified company known for exceptional pub dining.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private healthcare, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering high-quality food in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Ardent Pub Group, everything starts with people. Whether you’re walking into one of our pubs or joining our team, you’ll be met with genuine warmth. We build pubs that are rooted in their communities, driven by purpose and built to last.
We operate three acclaimed pubs - The George (Fitzrovia), The Cadogan Arms (Chelsea), and The Hound (Chiswick) - each rooted in tradition but full of fresh energy. Named Food-Led Pub Group of the Year at the 2024 R200 Awards, with The Cadogan Arms and The George both featured in the Top 100 Gastropubs list, we’ve also won the 2026 Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards - cementing our reputation for leading the way in exceptional pub dining.
As hospitality’s highest-scoring B-Corp certified company, we’re committed to doing business the right way - balancing exceptional guest experiences with meaningful social and environmental impact. Our culture is just as important as our performance, which is why we’re proud to be recognised in CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work 2025 and Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.
Our mission is to deliver the gold standard of public houses - where quality food, drink, and service create exceptional experiences. If that resonates, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits and Culture
- Group & External Partners Dining Discount up to 50%
- Generous research dining allowance
- Private Healthcare cover
- 24/7 GP & EAP Access
- Up to 50% off with Virgin Active, PureGym & Nuffield Gyms
- Freshly cooked team meals every day
- Employee Referral Bonus up to £800
- WSET Training
- Leadership and development coaching
- Supplier trips
- Bonus scheme
- An extra annual leave day for every year you work (up to 30 days)
- Twice yearly staff parties
- 1 paid day per year to donate to a charity of your choosing
- CODE Membership
- Hospitality Rewards Enhanced Membership Package
- Wellbeing & EAP Support including 1 on 1 sessions
- LOS, Bday, Maternity, Paternity, Wedding Gifts
The Position
As Head Chef at The Hound in Chiswick, you’ll lead the kitchen in delivering consistently high-quality, innovative pub dishes and seasonal specials. Working closely with the Group Executive Chef, you’ll play a key role in menu development and take full responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operation.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality pub or restaurant
- Strong knowledge of seasonality, trends, and quality produce
- A creative, detail-driven approach to food
- Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a kitchen team
- Experience managing rotas, staff costs, purchasing, and menu costing
- A solid understanding of health & safety and compliance
A typical working week may look like 5 working days, including 3 single shifts and 2 double shifts. As with most roles in hospitality, shift patterns may vary depending on business needs. This is a perfect role for an ambitious chef passionate about high-quality food and strong leadership.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At Ardent Pub Group, the greatest welcome isn’t just something we give to our guests — it’s something we extend to everyone who walks through our doors. Our pubs are built on warmth, character and community, and that only works when the people who make them thrive feel respected, valued and able to be themselves.
We believe that a diverse team makes for a better pub: richer ideas, better problem-solving, more creativity and a stronger connection to the communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t an initiative for us — it’s part of how we operate every day.
Head Chef employer: Ardent Pub Group
At Ardent Pub Group, we pride ourselves on being a people-first organisation that fosters a warm and inclusive work environment. As the Head Chef at The Hound in Chiswick, you will not only lead a talented kitchen team but also enjoy exceptional benefits such as generous dining discounts, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development. Our commitment to quality, community, and employee well-being makes us one of the happiest places to work in hospitality, ensuring that your career here is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend local food events or join culinary groups to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also gets your name out there in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job listing that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A personal touch can make all the difference and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it fresh! Stay updated on the latest food trends and seasonal ingredients. Being knowledgeable about what’s hot in the culinary world will impress potential employers and show you’re passionate about your craft.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dishes. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in quality pubs or restaurants, and don’t forget to mention any creative menu ideas you've implemented. We love seeing how you can bring fresh energy to our kitchens!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. Share a bit about your leadership style and how you motivate your team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Hound. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ardent Pub Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and any seasonal specials. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new dishes or improvements. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what makes a great pub dining experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any successful team projects or initiatives that improved kitchen operations or morale.
✨Understand Their Values
Ardent Pub Group values community and sustainability. Research their commitment to these principles and think about how your own values align. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional experiences while being socially responsible.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about managing kitchen operations, including cost control and health & safety compliance. Think through scenarios where you had to solve problems or make tough decisions in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your ability to handle challenges.
