At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting exceptional dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
- Company: Join Butcombe Pubs & Inns, recognised as one of the Best Places to Work 2025.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and amazing discounts on food and retail.
- Other info: Celebrate your milestones with exciting rewards and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape a premium menu and inspire a passionate team in a stunning location.
- Qualifications: Experience in a high-volume kitchen and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Mayflower, a recently refurbished traditional pub with beautiful bedrooms in the picturesque harbour town of Lymington, on the edge of the New Forest. Paying up to £50k per annum plus TRONC, this is a fantastic opportunity to join Butcombe Pubs & Inns and make a site like this your own.
You’ll lead a premium, fresh menu built on the finest seasonal and local produce, with real scope to influence and shape it, the perfect stage for the right chef. It’s a high-volume site, with a 350-cover garden buzzing in the summer and a warm, cosy pub to see you through the winter months. If you have a passion for cooking, thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in delivering exceptional food and are compassionate when leading and motivating a team, we want to hear from you!
What’s In It For You?
- Flexible Working – We understand the importance of work/life balance and offer flexibility to help you make work fit around your lifestyle.
- Award-Winning Culture – Join one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, winners of The Publican Awards Best Pub Employer 501+ 2026, and recognised nationally for our industry-leading training and development programmes.
- Benefits Bar – Access discounts, cashback, and perks across major retailers, holidays, groceries, days out, and more.
- Career Growth & Development – From structured training plans to development opportunities across the business, we’ll support you in building a long-term career in hospitality.
- Length of Service Awards: Celebrate milestones with exciting rewards for your dedication.
- Annual Awards Night: Be recognised and celebrated through our annual Bar Raiser Ball awards, dedicated to recognising the incredible work our teams do.
- Extra Time Off – Enjoy an extra day of holiday on your birthday, plus the option to purchase additional holiday throughout the year.
- Team Discounts – Enjoy 30% off across Butcombe Pubs & Inns and 50% off food whilst on shift.
- Wellbeing Support – We’re proud ambassadors of The Burnt Chef Project and provide access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
- Beautiful Locations & Great Teams – Work in stunning pubs and inns alongside passionate people who genuinely care about delivering amazing experiences.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food that keeps guests coming back for more.
- Taking ownership of all aspects of kitchen operations, from food quality and safety to stock and labour control.
- Inspiring, mentoring and developing your team, creating a culture of learning and progression.
- Driving menu execution, innovation and consistency across every service.
- Managing kitchen performance, budgets and food margins while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Working closely with the General Manager to deliver a successful and profitable business.
- Creating a positive, collaborative environment where great food and teamwork go hand in hand.
Why Join Butcombe Group?
We believe hospitality is at its best when people can be themselves. That’s why we’ve created a culture where everyone belongs, a place where you’re encouraged to just be you. We work From the Heart, Set the Bar High, Raise the Spirits, and create experiences that genuinely become the Talk of the Town.
Head Chef in Pennington employer: Butcombe Group
At Butcombe Pubs & Inns, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates individuality and teamwork. With flexible working arrangements, award-winning training programmes, and opportunities for career growth, our Junior Sous Chefs can thrive in some of the UK's most beautiful locations while creating memorable dining experiences. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional food and service, all while enjoying fantastic benefits and support for your wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Pennington
✨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 Butcombe Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Butcombe Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Butcombe Group 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 Head Chef in Pennington
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 Butcombe Group 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 Butcombe Group
✨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!
