At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, create seasonal menus, and oversee food production for multiple venues.
- Company: Join Glendola Leisure, a vibrant hospitality group with a passion for exceptional service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, private medical cover, and 25% discount at all venues.
- Why this job: Shape menus and make an impact in London's thriving pub scene while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume kitchens with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Enjoy 28 days paid holiday and access to mental health resources after one year.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 Β£ per year.
Location: Central London (Westminster)
Salary: Β£45,300 including Fixed Tronc
Hours: 40-45 hours per week, dependent on business needs
About the Company
Glendola Leisure operates many different bars, pubs, and restaurants across the UK in London, Glasgow, Belfast & Edinburgh. In your City, you will be part of a small team supported by our wider group and open to all the opportunities that come with that. What we all share as part of the Glendola Family is a passion for our customers, being experts in our products, providing exceptional service, and a commitment to being better every day. If you can offer friendliness, a 'can-do' attitude, and willingness to become an expert in your products, and want a role that is as individual as you are, then you're the one for us.
About the Job
We are looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen in a busy London pub with established function and events facilities, while also taking responsibility for the production and supply of menu items to other London venues within the group. This is a senior, hands-on role ideal for a Head Chef who enjoys balancing high-quality pub food, event catering, and centralised production, while maintaining strong operational and food safety standards.
The Role:
- Lead the kitchen operation for a high-volume London pub and function space
- Be part of a team that designs, delivers, and evolves a seasonal, commercially focused pub menu
- Oversee food production for private events, functions, and group bookings
- Manage the preparation and supply of agreed menu items to other London venues within the company
- Ensure consistency, quality, and portion control across all supplied sites
- Manage food costs, GP targets, ordering, and stock control
- Recruit, train, and develop a strong kitchen team
- Maintain exceptional food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
- Work closely with senior management on menu planning, pricing, and operational improvements
What We're Looking For:
- A proven experienced Head Chef
- Experience in high-volume pub kitchens, ideally with functions or events
- Strong understanding of centralised production / multi-site supply
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Commercially aware with strong GP and cost control knowledge
- Confident, calm leader with a passion for quality pub food
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary, including a fixed Tronc
- Opportunity to shape menus across multiple London venues
- Career development within a growing hospitality group
- Wage Stream β giving you direct access to your wages when you need them
- Private Medical Cover on completion of one year's service
- Access to Professional Mental Health Resources and an Employee Assistance Programme on completion of one year's service
- 28 days paid Holiday per annum, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- 25% Discount at all Glendola Leisure Venues
- Annual Staff Events
Are you ready to be part of one of the hospitality industry's biggest success stories? β It's time to apply.
Head Chef in London employer: CKE
Contact Detail:
CKE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who work at Glendola Leisure or similar venues. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event showcasing your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Donβt just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to Glendola Leisure and express your interest in the Head Chef position. A well-timed email can make a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm.
β¨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in pub food and kitchen management. Consider taking a short course or attending workshops. This not only boosts your CV but also shows that you're committed to being the best in your field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
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 pub experiences and how you can bring that passion to our team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in high-volume kitchens and event catering. Weβre looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of multi-site production, so donβt hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences are easy to read and understand. This will help us see why youβre the perfect fit for the Head Chef role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. Donβt miss out on being part of the Glendola Family!
How to prepare for a job interview at CKE
β¨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure youβre familiar with the types of dishes the pub serves. Be ready to discuss how you would evolve the menu and incorporate seasonal ingredients. This shows your passion for quality pub food and your understanding of customer preferences.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about your approach to training and developing team members, as well as how you handle high-pressure situations.
β¨Demonstrate Your Cost Control Knowledge
Since managing food costs and GP targets is crucial, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively controlled costs in previous roles. Discuss your experience with stock control and ordering processes to highlight your commercial awareness.
β¨Emphasise Food Safety Standards
Food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable in this role. Be ready to discuss your experience with compliance standards and how you ensure that your kitchen operates at the highest level of safety. This will reassure them that you take these responsibilities seriously.