Head Chef
About us
Tucked away behind Highbury & Islington, we’re 5 minutes from the tube and one of Islington's best kept secrets. We are a busy, fast-paced pub serving as a refreshment stop for those on their way to the Emirates Stadium. Our busiest days are match days, and we operate year-round with strong teamwork and clear communication to deliver a great guest experience.
Being a Head Chef at The Duchess and within Young's
We aim to showcase the best of British produce with pub classics and light bites for any occasion. From a spectacular Sunday Roast to fresh summer staples and premium pre-match grub, we want guests leaving eager for their next visit. We are looking for a Head Chef with a passion for hospitality and Great British cuisine who will write their own recipes to align with the food vision using fresh seasonal ingredients. Our food vision focuses on local produce, pub classics, small plates, sharers and puddings. Each pub is different, and you will have the opportunity to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should evolve to showcase these ingredients at their best.
What we offer our Head Chefs
- Autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Inspirational food trips with 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
This role requires someone who can inspire a team, bring out potential, and lead by example while developing, costing and producing fresh seasonal menus for the various revenue streams within the business.
- Experience championing excellent service through quality food, either as a Head Chef or Sous Chef
- Passion for leading and developing a team
- Active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills, working with the General Manager and Sous Chef
- Ability to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and health and safety effectively
- Creativity to design and deliver new dishes for menus and daily specials
- Strong planning and organisational skills to maintain GP and labour controls
- Pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth through engagement with kitchen and front-of-house teams
Head Chef employer: Duchess of Kent
At The Duchess, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and dynamic workplace where creativity and passion for Great British cuisine thrive. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy full autonomy over your menu, access to professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture that values collaboration and fun. Located just minutes from Highbury & Islington tube station, our pub offers a unique environment to showcase your culinary skills while enjoying benefits like free meals, discounts, and a comprehensive pension scheme.
