Head Chef in Chipping Norton

Head Chef in Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton Full-Time 48000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Knekt Hub Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a fresh-food kitchen, creating seasonal menus with local produce.
  • Company: Respected owner-led country pub in the beautiful Cotswolds.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 4-day work week, Christmas off, and live-in accommodation.
  • Why this job: Join a quality-focused kitchen with creative input and strong earnings potential.
  • Qualifications: Experienced Head Chef or Sous Chef ready to step up.
  • Other info: Stable role with a positive kitchen culture and long-term opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a well-established, quality-led country pub with rooms in the Cotswolds.

This is a hands-on role within a respected, owner-led operation known for its commitment to fresh, seasonal cooking using high-quality local produce. The kitchen focuses on proper pub cooking done well — classical technique, whole-animal butchery, game, and simple, confident menus driven by the seasons.

The previous Head Chef held the role for over three years, highlighting the stability and long-term nature of this opportunity.

The Role

  • Leading a medium-sized fresh-food kitchen, you will take responsibility for maintaining standards, leading the small brigade, and delivering consistent, well-executed food across service.
  • Lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
  • Deliver a seasonally driven pub menu using locally sourced produce.
  • Manage a small brigade and maintain a positive, professional kitchen culture.
  • Ensure strong organisation across prep, ordering, stock control and GP.
  • Maintain high food safety and operational standards.
  • Work closely with ownership on menu planning and development.
  • Run a calm, efficient service with a focus on quality and consistency.

The kitchen structure is typically a small brigade depending on business levels, making this a role suited to a chef comfortable running a well-organised, medium-sized operation.

The Package

  • £40,000–£42,000 base salary.
  • Significant tronc typically £8,000–£10,000+.
  • Total earning potential £48,000–£52,000+.
  • 4-day working week.
  • Christmas Day off.
  • Live-in accommodation available (charged monthly).
  • Staff discount throughout the wider group.
  • Stable, long-term role within an owner-led business.

The Ideal Candidate

  • Current Head Chef or experienced Sous Chef ready to step up.
  • Strong background in fresh-food gastro pubs or rosette-level kitchens.
  • Confident running a medium-sized kitchen and leading a small brigade.
  • Solid grounding in classical cooking techniques.
  • Comfortable working with seasonal and local produce.
  • Organised, calm and reliable in service.
  • Looking for a long-term role within a stable operation.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Owner-led kitchen with clear direction and realistic expectations.
  • A quality-focused kitchen rather than high-volume production cooking.
  • Strong earnings with an established tronc structure.
  • A genuinely sustainable rota with a 4-day working week.
  • Opportunity to run a respected Cotswolds pub kitchen with creative input.

If you are an experienced chef looking for a Head Chef role combining strong earnings, high standards and genuine work–life balance, this is a fantastic opportunity. Apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Head Chef in Chipping Norton employer: Knekt Hub Ltd

Join a respected, owner-led country pub in the picturesque Cotswolds, where you can lead a quality-focused kitchen dedicated to fresh, seasonal cooking. With a stable, long-term role and a supportive work culture, you'll enjoy a 4-day working week, significant earning potential, and the chance to creatively influence the menu while working with high-quality local produce. This is an excellent opportunity for chefs seeking meaningful employment in a nurturing environment that values both professional growth and work-life balance.
Knekt Hub Ltd

Contact Detail:

Knekt Hub Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Chipping Norton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and even customers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head Chef position or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay active on social media! Share your kitchen adventures, seasonal dishes, and cooking tips. Engaging with the food community online can lead to job opportunities and collaborations.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic Head Chef roles waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge over the competition.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Chipping Norton

Leadership Skills
Fresh-Food Cooking
Classical Cooking Techniques
Whole-Animal Butchery
Menu Planning
Stock Control
Food Safety Standards
Operational Standards
Team Management
Organisational Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Seasonal Cooking
Local Produce Sourcing
Positive Kitchen Culture

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal cooking shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for using high-quality local produce and how you can bring that to our kitchen.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in running a medium-sized kitchen and leading a brigade. Highlight any roles where you've worked with classical techniques or seasonal menus, as this is key for us.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to outline your relevant skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff. We want to know what makes you the perfect fit!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Knekt Hub Ltd

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the local produce and seasonal ingredients that are key to the pub's menu. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your dishes, showcasing your understanding of fresh, quality cooking.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen brigade in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain a positive kitchen culture and how you manage staff during busy service times.

✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Techniques

Brush up on classical cooking techniques and be prepared to discuss them in detail. You might even want to bring a few ideas for seasonal menus that reflect your style and expertise in proper pub cooking.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the pub's vision, menu development, and kitchen operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

Head Chef in Chipping Norton
Knekt Hub Ltd
Location: Chipping Norton
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