At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exciting seasonal menus.
- Company: Join the growing Elephant and Barrel hospitality group with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, staff discounts, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Immediate start available at multiple locations in London and Felixstowe.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-paced kitchen and deliver outstanding food experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Elephant and Barrel. Elephant and Barrel is a growing and exciting hospitality group operating four sites, three in London and one in Felixstowe. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food and drink in a warm, welcoming environment for all. As we continue to expand, we're building a passionate team of kitchen professionals who share our commitment to quality and craft.
The Role. We are looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at two of our sites. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hotel or pub environment and wants to make their mark on our menus and kitchen culture. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, from menu development and stock management to team leadership and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and hygiene. Multiple positions are available across our London and Felixstowe sites. Your preferred location will be discussed at interview.
Key Responsibilities.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional working environment.
- Design, develop, and cost seasonal menus that reflect Elephant and Barrel's style and quality standards.
- Oversee all aspects of food production and presentation, ensuring consistency across every service.
- Maintain strict compliance with food hygiene regulations and health & safety standards (including HACCP).
- Manage stock ordering, supplier relationships, food costings, and GP targets.
- Conduct regular team briefings, training, and performance reviews.
- Work closely with front-of-house management to ensure a seamless guest experience.
- Monitor kitchen performance and implement improvements where necessary.
What We're Looking For.
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy kitchen environment.
- Strong culinary skills with a creative eye for menu development.
- Demonstrated experience in kitchen management, team leadership, and GP control.
- Up-to-date food hygiene certification (Level 3 or above preferred).
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A passion for delivering outstanding food and hospitality.
- Full right to work in the United Kingdom — this is a strict requirement for all applicants.
What We Offer.
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing hospitality group.
- A supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Staff benefits and discounts across all Elephant and Barrel sites.
- The chance to shape your kitchen and put your stamp on the menu.
How to Apply. If you are an experienced culinary professional ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply through Indeed with your up-to-date CV and a brief cover note outlining your experience and preferred site location. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence of this will be requested prior to any offer of employment.
Head Chef - at Felixstowe and Cricklewood employer: Bangalore Express
At Elephant and Barrel, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our kitchen professionals to excel. As a Head Chef, you will not only lead a passionate team but also have the unique opportunity to shape our menus and kitchen environment across our Felixstowe and London sites. With competitive salaries, career progression opportunities, and a supportive team atmosphere, we offer an exceptional workplace for culinary leaders eager to make their mark in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - at Felixstowe and Cricklewood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at Elephant and Barrel. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your signature dish to the interview. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your skills and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your vision! Prepare to discuss how you’d develop menus and lead the kitchen team. We want to see your creativity and leadership shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our growing family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - at Felixstowe and Cricklewood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create exceptional dishes. We want to see your personality and passion for the kitchen!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in menu development and team leadership. We’re looking for someone who can lead our kitchen, so showcase your skills that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to make a great first impression. Keep it brief but impactful—outline your experience, why you want to join us at Elephant and Barrel, and your preferred site location. We love a personal touch!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bangalore Express
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand Elephant and Barrel's current menus. Think about how you can contribute to menu development and what seasonal dishes you might suggest. This shows your passion for the role and your creative culinary skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed kitchen staff in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster a positive working environment will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Hygiene
Make sure you're up-to-date on food hygiene regulations and health & safety standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with HACCP and how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This is crucial for maintaining the high standards that Elephant and Barrel prides itself on.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the Head Chef role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.
