At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting seasonal menus and inspiring your team.
- Company: The Depot, a modern community pub in Kidbrooke Village.
- Benefits: Full menu autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive community-focused pub with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Create memorable dining experiences with fresh, quality ingredients in a lively atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a passion for food and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31000 £ per year.
Nestled in the heart of Kidbrooke Village, The Depot is your modern local – a vibrant community pub where great food, great drinks and even better company come together. Whether you're popping in for brunch, catching up over cocktails, enjoying a family meal or celebrating with friends, there's always a warm welcome waiting.
Our menus are inspired by the foods we all secretly crave – the flavours of your favourite Friday night takeaway, reimagined with quality British ingredients and a premium pub twist. Think indulgent craft DOUGHP pizzas, stacked burgers, loaded fries, street food-inspired specials and legendary Sunday roasts. It's comfort food designed to be shared, enjoyed and remembered.
Families are at the heart of everything we do, and we're proud to be a place where everyone feels at home. Little ones are always welcome, and four-legged family members are too. After exploring Kidbrooke or nearby parks, your dog can expect fresh water, complimentary treats and plenty of fuss from our team.
Behind the bar you'll discover perfectly kept cask ales, rotating craft beers, carefully selected wines, premium spirits and expertly crafted cocktails, making every visit worth raising a glass to. More than just a pub, The Depot is where the Kidbrooke community comes together. From quiz nights and live sport to celebrations, weekend get-togethers and everyday moments, we're proud to be at the centre of our neighbourhood.
Being a Head Chef at Young's: We believe every pub should be different. This means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry-aged meat - each pub is different and it's up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
- Free meals
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Holiday per year
What we look for in a Head Chef:
- Someone that can inspire a team, to bring out the potential and lead by example whilst being able to develop, cost and produce fresh seasonal menus for the variety of revenue streams within the business.
- Experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef.
- A passion for leading and developing a team.
- An active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills.
- Responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times.
- Ability to demonstrate creativity and design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials.
- Great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour.
- A pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams.
Think you've got what it takes to lead our kitchen? If you're passionate about great food, inspiring teams and creating memorable experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Join The Depot family and apply for our Head Chef vacancy today.
Head Chef in London employer: DEPOT
At The Depot, located in the vibrant Kidbrooke Village, we pride ourselves on being more than just a pub; we are a community hub where creativity and culinary excellence thrive. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy full autonomy to craft seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients, while benefiting from our supportive work culture that encourages personal growth through masterclasses and development programmes. With a focus on family-friendly service and a warm atmosphere, The Depot offers a unique opportunity to lead a passionate team and create memorable dining experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨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 DEPOT. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to DEPOT
Don't be shy about reaching out to DEPOT 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 London
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 DEPOT 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 DEPOT
✨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!
