At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating seasonal dishes and inspiring your team.
- Company: The Angel Oak, a lively pub known for its exceptional food and atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, career development, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a community-focused pub with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic kitchen with creative freedom and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in a busy environment.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
This is not your average pub kitchen.
The Angel Oak sits on the corner of Peckham Rye Park and is a destination for food lovers across Peckham and East Dulwich.
With a beautiful pub setting, a huge year-round beer garden and a busy food operation, this is a kitchen with plenty of opportunity for a Head Chef to make their mark.
Our menu is all about great seasonal food, bringing together elevated pub classics, seasonal specials and Sunday roasts.
During the summer, our outdoor kitchen comes to life with BBQ flavours, adding another exciting element to an already busy operation.
We’re looking for an ambitious, passionate Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and lead the team in delivering exceptional food, every service.
What you’ll be doing
As Head Chef, you’ll have real ownership of the kitchen.
You’ll lead from the front, set the standards and create an environment where your team can thrive while delivering consistently brilliant food to our guests.
- Leading, inspiring and developing the kitchen team, creating a strong and positive kitchen culture.
- Taking ownership of the food operation, from menu delivery and quality through to kitchen standards and service.
- Working creatively with seasonal ingredients to deliver exciting, well-executed dishes.
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and safety.
- Managing food GP, stock, ordering, wastage and labour costs to deliver a commercially successful kitchen.
- Planning and managing busy services, ensuring the kitchen is organised, efficient and able to deliver at volume.
- Developing your team through coaching, training and clear expectations.
- Working closely with the General Manager and wider leadership team to drive the overall success of the pub.
- What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a Head Chef who is genuinely passionate about food and people.
- Previous Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership experience within a busy, high-volume operation.
- A strong background in fresh food and a genuine passion for seasonal cooking.
- Experience leading and developing a kitchen team.
- A good understanding of kitchen P&L, GP, labour, stock and wastage.
- The confidence to take ownership and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- A hands-on leadership style and the ability to remain calm and organised during busy services.
- A desire to continually improve standards, develop your team and deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Why The Angel Oak?
You’ll be joining a venue with real personality and plenty of scope to put your stamp on the food operation.
The Angel Oak combines a characterful pub atmosphere with a serious food offer.
Alongside our main menu and Sunday roasts, our large garden and seasonal outdoor BBQ kitchen give the Head Chef another opportunity to get creative and bring something different to the guest experience.
Located at 31 Peckham Rye, the pub is perfectly positioned for the vibrant Peckham and East Dulwich community and attracts guests looking for great food, drinks and atmosphere.
Why Metropolitan Pub Company?
The Angel Oak is part of Metropolitan Pub Company, a collection of distinctive pubs, restaurants and hotels where individuality, great hospitality and quality food are at the heart of what they do.
As part of the wider group, you’ll have access to development and progression opportunities while still having the freedom to make your own impact at your pub.
Ready to make your mark?
If you’re a Head Chef who loves fresh food, thrives in a high-volume kitchen and wants genuine ownership of your operation, this could be the opportunity for you.
Come and lead the kitchen at The Angel Oak and make your mark on one of Peckham’s favourite food-led pubs.
We’re all about rewarding our team’s hard work, that’s why…
You’ll receive a competitive salary, pension contribution as well as
- The chance to further your career across our well-known brands - as one of the industry's top apprenticeship providers, we can provide training and development at each level of your career.
- Discount of 33% for you and 15% for your loved ones on all of our brands - so you enjoy your favourite food and drink at a discount.
- Free employee assistance program - mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
- Enhanced, family-friendly maternity and paternity policies
- Menopause Friendly Employer
- Discount of 50% for you and 25% for your loved ones at our Greene King Inns and hotels - so you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
- Refer a friend - who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £1,500 for referring them!
- Wagestream - access your wage before payday for when life happens.
- Retail discounts - Receive up to 30% off at Superdrug, exclusive discounts with Three Mobile along with many more...
- CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, SAFE AND THAT THEY BELONG
- We aim to embed inclusion into every
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef employer: Greeneking
At The Angel Oak, you'll find a vibrant and supportive work culture that values individuality and creativity in the kitchen. As part of the Metropolitan Pub Company, you will have access to extensive career development opportunities while enjoying a competitive salary and generous benefits, including discounts on food and drink, and a commitment to employee well-being. Join us in a beautiful pub setting where you can truly make your mark and lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Greeneking. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Greeneking
Don't be shy about reaching out to Greeneking 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
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 Greeneking 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 Greeneking
✨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!