At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create seasonal menus that wow our guests.
- Company: Join the Little & Large Pub Company, a beloved local pub in Brockley.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make your mark on a new food concept in a vibrant community setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a love for seasonal British cuisine.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth in a supportive and creative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Talbot is a much-loved neighbourhood pub in the heart of Brockley, known for its warm atmosphere, great drinks, and quality food served with generosity and flair. We’re now looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of our food story.
About The Role
We’re developing a simple, seasonal, and ingredient-led dining concept for our upstairs dining room. Downstairs, the pub menu remains approachable and vibrant: proper bar snacks, hearty plates, and classic Sunday roasts.
As Head Chef, you’ll:
- Lead and inspire a small, committed kitchen team
- Design and deliver menus that reflect the seasons and the spirit of The Talbot
- Maintain excellent food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Manage cost controls, stock, and supplier relationships
- Ensure kitchen standards of safety, hygiene, and organization are exemplary
- Work closely with the management team to create a memorable, community-driven dining experience
About You
You’ll be a hands-on, creative chef with:
- Proven experience running a busy kitchen — ideally in a high-quality pub or bistro environment
- A passion for seasonal British food and a collaborative, low-ego attitude
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- An understanding of balancing quality with profitability
- The desire to be part of a growing, community-focused venue
Why Join Us
- A chance to put your stamp on a new food concept in a respected local pub
- Supportive ownership and management who value creativity and balance
- Competitive pay, bonus potential, and a healthy work-life culture
- Opportunities for future growth within an evolving business
Head Chef employer: Little & Large Pub Company
Contact Detail:
Little & Large Pub Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and even regulars at pubs. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a pop-up event. This is a great way to showcase your creativity and passion for seasonal British food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Talbot. Express your interest and share your vision for their kitchen – it could set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media with your latest dishes and experiences. A strong online portfolio can catch the eye of hiring managers looking for a Head Chef who’s got flair and personality.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for seasonal British food shine through. Share your culinary journey and how it aligns with our vision at The Talbot. We want to see your creativity and flair!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a small team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and managed teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same with us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our kitchen. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can balance quality with profitability!
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 details about the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Little & Large Pub Company
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with seasonal ingredients and how they can be used in dishes. Be ready to discuss your ideas for menus that reflect the spirit of The Talbot, showcasing your creativity and understanding of British cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before, focusing on collaboration and maintaining a positive atmosphere. Highlight any experiences where you’ve turned challenges into opportunities for growth.
✨Discuss Cost Control Strategies
Be prepared to talk about how you manage costs while maintaining quality. Share specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles to balance profitability with excellent food standards, as this will show your understanding of the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
The Talbot values a community-driven dining experience, so think about how you can contribute to that. Bring up any past experiences where you’ve engaged with the local community or created events that brought people together through food.