At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create exceptional dishes with top-quality ingredients.
- Company: Join the award-winning Little and Large Pub Company at The Running Horses.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, training, flexible shifts, and company discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and excellence.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a celebrated pub known for its fantastic food and atmosphere.
- Qualifications: At least two years of experience at 2 to 3 AA Rosette level.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Welcome to The Running Horses, a multi award winning country inn with rooms in Mickleham, Surrey, where warm, down to earth hospitality meets great food, great drinks, and a genuine local buzz. We are proud to have been featured in The Good Food Guide’s Top 50 Sunday Roasts, and to have been recognised as UK Best Pub and Bar 2023, with a county win in 2025. We are a place for everything from relaxed midweek suppers and long Sunday lunches, to celebrations, group gatherings, and memorable stays. Our style is simple: do the basics brilliantly, look after people properly, and create the kind of atmosphere guests want to come back to.
About You
- Has at least two years’ experience cooking at 2 to 3 AA Rosette level.
- Is enthusiastic, dynamic, and determined, with real pride in every plate.
- Takes a proactive, hands on approach to running a professional kitchen.
- Has a proven track record managing budgeted GPs and maintaining 5 star food hygiene standards.
- Communicates clearly and leads with calm authority during busy services.
- Has experience building, motivating, and developing teams to deliver consistently excellent results.
- Enjoys training and mentoring, supporting both BOH and FOH to raise standards across the whole guest experience.
- Has a genuine passion for cooking with outstanding produce and letting ingredients do the talking.
What’s in it for you
- A genuine opportunity to make your mark and take your career to the next level.
- Training and development with a business that promotes from within.
- Companywide discounts.
- Flexible shift patterns.
About us
Operated by the award winning Little and Large Pub Company, each 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, and we care deeply about developing careers and promoting from within.
If you are passionate, take great pride in what you put on the plate, and want to help us grow our reputation even further, we would love to hear from you. Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application.
Head Chef in Dorking employer: Little & Large Pub Company
The Cricketers on the Green offers an exceptional work environment for chefs, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal dishes and quality ingredients. As part of the Little and Large Pub Company, employees benefit from a supportive and professional kitchen culture, opportunities for training and progression, and the chance to be part of an ambitious independent pub that values genuine hospitality. Located in the heart of Pirbright, this newly reopened pub is not just a workplace but a community where passionate individuals can thrive and grow.
Contact Details:
Little & Large Pub Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Dorking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend local food events or join culinary groups to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your cooking. This not only demonstrates your talent 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 openings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, even if they’re not hiring. A well-timed email or call can put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to highlight your experience and enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you’re not just about the basics, but that you genuinely care about every plate you serve.
Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your experience, especially if you've worked at 2 to 3 AA Rosette level. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and how you’ve managed budgets and maintained high standards.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application is your first chance to show us how you communicate. Be clear and concise, and make sure to convey your leadership style. We want to know how you handle busy services and motivate your team!
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 Running Horses!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little & Large Pub Company
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of seasonal ingredients and local produce. The Running Horses prides itself on using outstanding produce, so be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into their menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need 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 raise standards across both BOH and FOH.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Share stories about your culinary journey, what inspires you in the kitchen, and how you ensure every plate reflects your pride in the craft.
✨Understand Their Culture
Familiarise yourself with The Running Horses' ethos of warm hospitality and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this culture and enhance the guest experience through your culinary skills.
