Head Chef in Tonbridge

Head Chef in Tonbridge

Tonbridge Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dishes with top-quality ingredients.
  • Company: Award-winning country inn known for its warm hospitality and excellent food.
  • Benefits: Career development opportunities, flexible shifts, service charge share, and company discounts.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a renowned establishment and elevate your culinary career.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years as Head Chef with experience at 2-3 AA Rosette level.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team that values creativity and personal growth.

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 Guide's 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 in Tonbridge 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 experiences for our guests while enjoying flexible shift patterns and a share of service charge in a vibrant community setting.
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Contact Detail:

Little and Large Hotel Company Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Tonbridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, local suppliers, and even previous colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect 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 bring to their kitchen.

✨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. A well-timed email expressing your interest can make all the difference.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary social media accounts with your latest achievements and experiences. Employers love to see a chef who is engaged and passionate about their craft.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Tonbridge

Culinary Skills
Team Management
Budget Management
Food Hygiene Standards
Communication Skills
Training and Development
Proactive Approach
Experience with AA Rosette Level Cooking
Passion for Quality Produce
Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Customer Service Orientation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're 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 how they align with our values.

Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application! We value genuine communication, so let us know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team. Remember, we’re all about warm, genuine hospitality.

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 you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at The Leicester Arms!

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 how you would enhance their menu or introduce seasonal specials using local produce. This shows your passion for food and your proactive approach.

✨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 your kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any training initiatives you've implemented to show that you care about team growth.

✨Discuss Your Experience with Standards

Be prepared to talk about your experience managing budgets and maintaining high hygiene standards. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed costs while ensuring top-notch quality. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of running a professional kitchen.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality

The Leicester Arms values genuine hospitality, so convey your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to guest satisfaction and how you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a great experience for diners.

Head Chef in Tonbridge
Little and Large Hotel Company Limited
Location: Tonbridge
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