At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create memorable dishes with top-quality ingredients.
- Company: Award-winning independent country inn known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, training, service charge share, and company discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values creativity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant environment and elevate your culinary career.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as Head Chef with experience in high-standard kitchens.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Welcome to The Leicester Arms Country Inn, beautifully restored and an award-winning Country Inn with rooms in the heart of Penshurst, Kent. We are proudly independent, food led, and rooted in warm, genuine hospitality, the kind that feels effortless for guests and intentional behind the scenes. We are proud to be featured in the good food guide and on the Good Food Guides List of 100 best pubs.
From mornings in our breakfast room to busy weekend services, private dining in the Sidney Room, and relaxed drinks in our dog-friendly bar area, every part of the inn is about thoughtful details, calm confidence, and doing the basics brilliantly. Our bedrooms are designed for comfort and quiet luxury, with the countryside right on the doorstep and a brilliant community that treats the pub as their local.
If you love hospitality, enjoy being part of a team that cares about standards, and take pride in creating memorable moments for guests, we would love to meet you.
About you:
- An ambitious Head Chef with at least 2 years' experience cooking to 2-3 AA Rosette level.
- An enthusiastic, dynamic and determined Head Chef who takes pride in what they do, enjoys working collaboratively and is ready for a new challenge.
- Take a proactive hands-on approach to running a professional kitchen.
- A proven track record of running a professional kitchen including managing budgeted GPs and 5* Food Hygiene.
- Good communication skills.
- Experience of building, motivating and developing teams to get the best results at all times.
- A passion for imparting knowledge and training up both FOH and BOH teams.
- A passion for working with the best produce.
What's in it for you:
- An opportunity to make your mark and take your career to the next level.
- Training and developing opportunities – we like to develop from within.
- Share of service charge.
- Companywide discounts.
- Flexible shift patterns.
About Us:
Operated by the award-winning Little Large Pub Company. Each one of our sites, much like our teams, is individual and offbeat. We believe in looking after our people just as well as we look after our guests. Have a passion for developing people's careers and promoting from within. Applicants must be passionate and take great pride in what they put on the plate and help us grow our good reputation even further. Good luck and we look forward to hearing from you.
Head Chef employer: Little and Large Hotel Company Limited
At The Leicester Arms Country Inn, we pride ourselves on being an independent, food-led establishment that values genuine hospitality and teamwork. Located in the picturesque Penshurst, Kent, we offer our employees a supportive work culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth, including training and development from within. Join us to create memorable moments for our guests while enjoying flexible shift patterns and a share of service charge, all within a community that treats our inn as their local.
Contact Details:
Little and Large Hotel Company Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives potential employers a taste of what you can do but also demonstrates your passion and commitment to high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Leicester Arms Country Inn, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference and show that you’re genuinely keen on joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques. Share your knowledge with others, as this shows your dedication to developing both yourself and your future team. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter during interviews!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific examples of how you've created memorable moments for guests in your previous roles. We want to see that you care about the details just as much as we do.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience cooking to 2-3 AA Rosette level and any achievements in managing a professional kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their skills and passion for working with top-notch produce.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value genuine communication, so share your journey in the culinary world and what drives you. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Leicester Arms Country Inn!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little and Large Hotel Company Limited
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes The Leicester Arms Country Inn serves. Be ready to discuss your own culinary creations and how they align with their food philosophy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the establishment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve motivated and developed kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any training initiatives you’ve implemented to show that you’re proactive about team growth.
✨Discuss Your Passion for Quality Produce
The job description emphasises a passion for working with the best produce. Be prepared to talk about your sourcing methods and any relationships you have with local suppliers. This will illustrate your commitment to quality and sustainability in your cooking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, such as managing a busy service or dealing with a food safety issue. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
