At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create innovative dishes, and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join Ardent Pub Group, a celebrated B-Corp certified pub group with a community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% dining discounts, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated pub group and make a real impact on dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Our Group 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:
- 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 employer, fostering a warm and inclusive work environment that values creativity and community. As the Head Chef at The Hound in Chiswick, you'll not only lead a talented kitchen team but also enjoy exceptional benefits such as generous dining discounts, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to our mission of delivering outstanding pub experiences. Join us in a workplace recognised as one of the happiest and best places to work in hospitality, where your passion for high-quality food and leadership can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Ardent Pub Group vibe! Visit their pubs, chat with the staff, and soak in the atmosphere. This will not only give you a feel for their culture but also help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to meet the team or during interviews, bring along some ideas for seasonal specials or innovative dishes. This will demonstrate your passion and fit for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the application process and what it’s really like to work at Ardent Pub Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ardent family.
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 of creativity and passion that makes you the perfect fit for our team.
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 leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can lead a kitchen team, so show us how you've done that in the past!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique approach to cooking and how you connect with your team and guests. We want to know what makes you tick and how you can contribute to our warm and welcoming culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Ardent Pub Group.
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 at The Hound. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new dishes or improvements, showing your creativity and understanding of quality produce.
✨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.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of managing rotas, staff costs, and menu costing. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve handled these aspects in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage the day-to-day kitchen operations efficiently.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Make sure to convey your strong understanding of health and safety regulations. Share specific examples of how you’ve maintained high standards in the kitchen, ensuring both quality food and compliance with safety protocols.
