Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath

Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create high-quality dishes in a vibrant pub setting.
  • Company: Join the Hall & Woodhouse family at the charming Gardeners Arms.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, tips, profit share, and comprehensive lifestyle benefits.
  • Why this job: Experience a supportive culture with real work-life balance and career progression.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in a fast-paced environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on sustainability and excellence.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Dig the Gardeners Arms, part of the Hall & Woodhouse family of superb destination food pubs, dating back to the 17th century. The Gardeners Arms is how we all imagine a country pub should be - cosy in the winter, with roaring log fires and traditional oak beams, and glorious in the summer, with a beautiful garden. The pub even has its own grape vines and wild deer visit occasionally! It is a characterful place that celebrates the joy of horticulture with pin‑ups of famous gardeners in the loos, along with a host of other quirky décor touches that bring the pub to life.

Looking for your next big step in a kitchen that’s full of energy, passion, and purpose? We’re searching for a Head Chef comfortable in working to brand specs to lead our high‑performing team at one of the area’s best venues.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us
  • Real work–life balance with a 5‑day week, consistent hours, and excellent working conditions.
  • Great salary plus a share of tips.
  • Profit share scheme and bonus – when the business thrives, so do you.
  • Comprehensive lifestyle benefits, including pension, health cover, wellbeing support, discounts, and more.
  • A vibrant, supportive team in a business driven by sustainability and an authentic people‑first culture.
  • Job security and clear career progression, backed by an award‑winning employer.
  • All the support you need to succeed – we set you up to lead with confidence.
You’ll thrive here if you’re:
  • A highly organized, skilled Head Chef with experience delivering high‑quality fare to central specs.
  • Someone who enjoys the buzz and spotlight of a fast‑paced, prestige kitchen.
  • A chef who truly cares – motivated, passionate, and committed to excellence.
  • An expert in food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
  • Calm, dependable, and resilient under pressure, with a solutions‑first mindset.
  • Strong in kitchen admin and happy in following precise cooking and presentation specifications.
  • A positive, inspirational leader who builds, motivates, and supports great teams.
  • Diligent about compliance and sustainability.
  • Able to reliably manage the commute and flexible to work days, evenings, and weekends.
  • Keen to join an employer that recognizes and rewards dedication and talent.

Previous experience leading in a managed pub or restaurant is a big advantage.

If you’re a hands‑on Head Chef with the skills, drive, and temperament to deliver consistent top‑quality dishes under time and volume pressure, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in a place where your future truly matters.

Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath employer: Hall & Woodhouse Brewery & Managed Careers

At Hall & Woodhouse, we pride ourselves on being a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, offering a vibrant and supportive environment where our Head Chef can thrive. With a strong focus on work-life balance, competitive salary packages including profit share and tips, and a commitment to sustainability, we provide ample opportunities for career progression in a characterful setting that celebrates the joy of horticulture. Join us at the Gardeners Arms, where your passion for food and leadership will be recognised and rewarded.
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Contact Detail:

Hall & Woodhouse Brewery & Managed Careers Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or join culinary groups online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even host a tasting event. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you admire, like the Gardeners Arms. A friendly email or call can make a big difference!

✨Tip Number 4

Stay positive and persistent! The right job is out there, and sometimes it takes a bit of time to find it. Keep applying through our website and don’t get discouraged – your dream kitchen awaits!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Food Safety Management
Hygiene Standards
Allergen Management
Culinary Skills
Kitchen Administration
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Team Building
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Commitment to Sustainability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that spark of passion that makes you a great fit for our vibrant kitchen.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role at Gardeners Arms. Highlight your experience in high-pressure kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence, so show us how you’ve done that before!

Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. Share a bit about your interests or what makes you tick – it helps us see if you’ll fit into our people-first culture.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Gardeners Arms, and we love that enthusiasm!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hall & Woodhouse Brewery & Managed Careers

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the type of dishes served at the Gardeners Arms. Research their menu and think about how your experience aligns with their offerings. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance or innovate their current dishes.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others, especially in a fast-paced environment, as this is key to thriving in their vibrant team.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability

Given the pub's commitment to sustainability, be prepared to discuss your own practices and ideas around sustainable cooking and sourcing ingredients. Share any initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that align with their values.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of specific situations where you had to manage kitchen challenges, maintain food safety, or handle allergen management, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.

Head Chef - Premium Pub - Gardeners Arms in Haywards Heath
Hall & Woodhouse Brewery & Managed Careers
Location: Haywards Heath
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