At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the kitchen team while creating delicious, seasonal dishes.
- Company: The Queen's Head, a historic pub with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 50% off food, and annual awards bash.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a respectful environment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and shape a culture of excellence in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 26437 - 30000 £ per year.
Head chef — The Queen's Head, Broad Chalke
Tucked into the Chalke Valley on what was once part of the Earl of Pembroke's estate, The Queen's Head is a pub with real character and history.
Original flagstone floors run through the building, and the inglenook fireplace remains at its heart, roaring through the colder months.
A recent refurbishment has added nine beautifully appointed bedrooms, elevating what was already a much-loved village pub into one of the valley's standout places to eat, drink and stay.
We'relooking for a Head Chef who leads from the front, setshigh standards, and brings their team with them.
Our food ethos is shaped collaboratively by the kitchen teams across the group, so your role is to execute it brilliantly, service after service, while creating an environment where people can develop and do their best work.
The food is hearty, honest and rooted in the seasons: handmade pies, proper Sunday roasts and British produce sourced from trusted local suppliers.
The craft is in the consistency — delivering quality, every day, without compromise.
About Chickpea
We'refounder-owned and seven years in. Today, we run ten pubs across the South West, but the ideahasn'tchanged much since day one. Great pubs are built by great people.
Our placesare a reflection ofthe teams who work in them.
From the kitchen to the bar, we believe exceptional hospitality comes from people who genuinely care about the industry and the guests in front of them.
We want every guest to feel as thoughthey'vebeen welcomed into someone's home.
That means getting thesmall thingsright, paying attention to the detail, and looking after people properly.
It'sa simple idea, butit'sthe thread that runs through everything we do.
Why Chickpea?
- A respectful kitchen is non-negotiable for us. We want people to enjoy coming to work, and that starts with how teams treat each other.
- There are no split shifts .
Overtime is paid .
Uniform is provided and launtered. If you want to progress, there’s a clear pathway and the support to help you get there.
- We offer flexible working patterns that fit around your life, not the other way round.
Every penny of service charge is shared across the whole team — chefs, front-of-house and housekeeping included — with complete transparency through your own Grateful account.
- If you work a six-hour shift, you eat from the menu . Away from work, you'llenjoy
50% off food at any of our pubs for you and up to five guests.
We close on Christmas Day.
- Each year, we bring everyone together for the
Annual Chickpea Awards Bash to celebrate the people who make the business what it is.
- On your birthday, you'llreceive a
£100 voucher to spend at any of our pubs. There are also monthly rewards and giveaways , including the chance to win a night away at one of ourplaces. We recognise long service too.
- Throughout the year, we organise team trips and away days , from visits to local suppliers to trips abroad.
- Ifyou'reambitious and want to develop, we'llbuild a training programme around you .
Whether that's WSET qualifications, apprenticeships, leadership development or broadening your skills across the business, the opportunities are there for those who want them.
We'recommitted to helping people build long and rewarding careers in hospitality.
- And because lifeisn'talways straightforward, you'llalso have access to confidential 24/7 support for your mental, physicaland financial wellbeing. Whenever you need someone to talk to, help is there.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Leading, inspiringand developing the kitchen team, creating a culture built onhigh standardsand mutual respect.
- Taking ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including stock management, preparation, qualitycontroland efficiency.
- Working alongside kitchen teams across the group to deliver menus that reflect our shared food ethos.
- Ensuring every dish leaving the pass is consistent, beautifullypresentedand full of flavour.
- Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, healthand safety.
- Supporting the growth and development of junior chefs through coaching, trainingand mentoring.
- Who We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality-led kitchen.
- A genuine passion for food and a commitment to delivering excellence, every service.
- A natural leader who can motivate, supportand develop a team.
- Someone organised, detail-focused and comfortable taking ownership.
- A positive, energetic approach and the ambition to help build something special.
At The Queens Head, we'renot looking for someone to simply run a kitchen.
We'relooking for someone who wants to build a team, shape a culture and be part of a growing group that believes hospitality isultimately aboutpeople.
Compensation: Competitive salary
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Head Chef in Salisbury employer: Chickpea Group
Chickpea Group is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture at The King's Arms in Shaftesbury where community engagement and exceptional hospitality are at the forefront. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working hours, and unique benefits like monthly vouchers for experiences across their pubs, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Salisbury
✨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 Chickpea Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chickpea Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chickpea 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 Salisbury
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 Chickpea 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 Chickpea 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!
