At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen to create seasonal British dishes and manage a talented team.
- Company: Join Local & Wild, a restaurant group celebrating the English countryside.
- Benefits: Earn up to £55K with accommodation available and a focus on sustainability.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a commitment to ethical practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with locally sourced ingredients and showcase your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef in high-quality restaurants and strong leadership skills.
Company Description Local & Wild is a restaurant group that celebrates the English countryside through seasonal British cuisine. Founded in 2012 by three brothers—a farmer, a chef, and a restaurateur—the group’s restaurants are an extension of their rural way of life in Sussex. The six sites, The Shed, Rabbit, Pig's Ears, Sussex, Black Lamb and The Black Horse, focus on menus built around produce from local farmers, hedgerows, and the surrounding coast, reflecting the changing flavors of Britain. Local & Wild champions English wine, including award-winning bottles from Nutbourne Vineyards in West Sussex. The business is driven by a commitment to valuing people and produce, with strong ethical and ecological principles around sustainability.
Role Description The Head Chef at The Black Horse, Amberley will lead the kitchen in delivering high-quality, seasonal British dishes that reflect Local & Wild’s farm-to-table ethos. This full-time, on-site role in West Sussex includes overseeing menu design, food preparation, and service standards, ensuring consistency and creativity across all offerings. The Head Chef will manage ordering and stock control, maintain food safety and hygiene standards, and work closely with local producers to source sustainable ingredients. Day-to-day responsibilities include coaching and scheduling the kitchen team, controlling food costs and waste, and collaborating with the front-of-house team to provide a memorable guest experience. The role offers up to £55K salary, with accommodation available.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-quality, seasonal or British cuisine-focused restaurants.
- Strong skills in menu development, recipe creation, and plating, with an emphasis on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate diverse kitchen teams, fostering a respectful and inclusive working environment.
- Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen health and safety practices, with relevant certifications preferred.
- Experience managing kitchen budgets, stock control, and wastage to meet cost and margin targets.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to remain calm and effective during busy service.
- Good communication and collaboration skills, working closely with front-of-house and management teams.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the business.
- Passion for sustainability, ethical sourcing, and showcasing British produce and English wine.
- Culinary qualifications or formal chef training are beneficial but not essential if supported by strong experience.
Head Chef - The Black Horse, Amberley - up to £55K, Accommodation available in London employer: Local & Wild
Gladwin Brothers is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates seasonal British produce and sustainable practices. As a General Manager, you will not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy excellent career progression opportunities, ongoing training, and a competitive salary with performance-related bonuses. Join a growing independent restaurant group where your leadership can truly make a difference in delivering memorable guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - The Black Horse, Amberley - up to £55K, Accommodation available in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Local & Wild. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Local & Wild
Don't be shy about reaching out to Local & Wild directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - The Black Horse, Amberley - up to £55K, Accommodation available in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Local & Wild and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local & Wild
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
