At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create fresh, seasonal menus and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: Historic Georgian coaching inn in the heart of Kent with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, employee discounts, and a beautiful countryside location.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values great food and warm hospitality.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in a unique setting while celebrating quality British cooking.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading a fresh food kitchen and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 26865 - 32835 £ per year.
As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the kitchen operation, leading the team to deliver fresh, seasonal food with consistency, care, and pride. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the food offer of a much-loved country inn, creating menus that reflect the character of the venue while celebrating classic pub dining, quality ingredients, and modern touches. Working closely with the General Manager and wider team, you’ll be responsible for driving standards, developing your chefs, and ensuring every guest enjoys an outstanding dining experience whether they’re joining us for a casual lunch, Sunday roast, special occasion, or hotel stay.
Lead the kitchen of a historic Georgian coaching inn in the heart of Kent. The Kings Arms, Westerham is a charming Georgian coaching inn that has been welcoming guests since 1700. Located in the heart of this picturesque Kent market town, just moments from the historic Chartwell Manor, The Kings Arms combines traditional charm with modern hospitality. With elegant dining spaces, a cosy cellar bar, comfortable hotel bedrooms, and beautiful outdoor areas, we offer guests a truly memorable experience.
We’re now looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and continue creating the exceptional food experience our guests expect.
Why join The Kings Arms? The Kings Arms offers a rare opportunity to lead a kitchen within a truly unique setting. You’ll have the freedom to bring your experience and creativity to a venue with personality, while being supported by a team that values great food, warm service, and memorable experiences.
What We Offer: Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:
- The opportunity to lead a historic and characterful kitchen
- Career development and progression opportunities
- The chance to create and influence menus
- A supportive team environment
- Working within a beautiful countryside location
- Employee discounts
- Pension contribution
If you’re a Head Chef who loves fresh food, enjoys leading people, and wants to be part of a venue with genuine character and heritage, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be responsible for: You’ll take ownership of:
- Leading and inspiring the kitchen team to deliver excellent food every day
- Creating a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, pride, and high standards
- Developing menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and classic British cooking
- Maintaining consistency across restaurant service, private events, and hotel dining
- Managing stock, ordering, food costs, and kitchen performance
- Ensuring excellent food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
- Building strong relationships with the front-of-house and wider hotel teams
- Coaching and developing chefs to support their growth and progression
We’re looking for a Head Chef who understands the importance of both food and hospitality. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience leading a fresh food kitchen
- A passion for seasonal ingredients and quality British cooking
- Strong leadership and people development skills
- Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and food costs
- The ability to create consistent standards across every service
- A hands-on approach and pride in delivering great food
- The confidence to bring ideas and creativity to a well-loved venue
You’ll be someone who enjoys building relationships, creating a positive team environment, and taking ownership of the kitchen’s success.
Success at The Kings Arms means creating a kitchen team that guests and colleagues are proud of. You’ll build a reputation for delivering exceptional food, developing your team, and ensuring every plate reflects the quality and character of this historic venue.
You’ll help make The Kings Arms a destination for locals, hotel guests, and visitors exploring Kent — a place remembered not just for its history and surroundings, but for its food and hospitality.
Head Chef: Lead Seasonal Fresh‑Food Kitchen & Menus in Westerham employer: Greene King
Greene King is an excellent employer that values its team members and fosters a supportive work culture. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong sense of community. Working at Greene King not only means being part of a renowned pub chain but also contributing to creating memorable guest experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef: Lead Seasonal Fresh‑Food Kitchen & Menus in Westerham
✨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 Greene King. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Greene King
Don't be shy about reaching out to Greene King 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: Lead Seasonal Fresh‑Food Kitchen & Menus in Westerham
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 Greene King 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 Greene King
✨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!
