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 35000 - 45000 £ 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 in London employer: Bangalore Express
At Elephant and Barrel, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive 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 staff benefits, we ensure that our employees feel valued and motivated in their culinary journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - at Felixstowe and Cricklewood in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry friends, or even old colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head Chef position at Elephant and Barrel or can put in a good word for you.
✨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, plus it’ll leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to chat about your kitchen management style. Be ready to discuss how you lead and motivate your team, as well as how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen. We want to see that you can keep the kitchen running smoothly!
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Elephant and Barrel family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - at Felixstowe and Cricklewood in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional dishes and leading a team in a vibrant kitchen environment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the Head Chef role. Focus on your culinary skills, kitchen management experience, and any creative menu development you've done. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note:Your cover note is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Elephant and Barrel. Keep it brief but impactful—mention your experience, your preferred site location, and what excites you about this opportunity.
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 the role. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our passionate team!
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 it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight any training or performance review processes you've implemented to foster a positive working environment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Food Hygiene
Since maintaining food hygiene standards is a key responsibility, brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you plan to uphold these standards at Elephant and Barrel.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with 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.
