At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, creating delicious dishes from fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub and bar operator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and access to exclusive rewards.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive environment that values individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the dining experience and mentor a passionate team in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for fresh food and kitchen operations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us
Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a skilled Head Chef or Sous/Senior Sous Chef who is ready to take the next step in their career. In this leadership role, you’ll play a key part in shaping the dining experience at Danson Stables. Your expertise in fresh food and kitchen operations will help create a thriving, well‑run kitchen while mentoring and supporting your team as they develop.
Do you have...
- A high standard of food knowledge and skill with full fresh ingredients from scratch
- A born leader who wants to drive a team of hardworking, friendly, and ambitious chefs who are working towards the common goal of excellence
- Up-to-date with COSHH, Food Safety, H&S, legal knowledge
- A willingness to develop on a personal level whilst also propelling the brigade forward at Danson Stables
Some of the things you will be doing as a Head Chef:
- Hiring and onboarding of new team members in an inclusive and welcoming manner.
- Leading, guiding, and developing your kitchen team, ensuring they have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities.
- Maintaining high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety, creating a safe and organised workspace for all.
- Managing the kitchen schedule to ensure efficient staffing while meeting labour targets.
- Conducting regular stock checks to ensure cost management and meet performance goals.
- Taking a proactive approach to increasing sales and driving growth by fostering strong relationships between kitchen and front‑of‑house teams.
A little bit about us...
We're a small batch of handpicked locals – your home for British hospitality. Regardless of the occasion, we’re here to serve great-tasting food and drink, with our guests at the heart of everything we do. Originally built in the 1700s, this Grade‑II listed building is home to Danson Stables, the traditional pub serving delicious food and drinks in the heart of Danson Park. Our food menu is brimming with a range of British classics and inspired indulgences, and our drinks offer spans fine wines, spirits, cocktails and, of course, pale ales and craft beers, bringing Bexley Heath the best in regional, local and seasonal specials – including Bexley’s own beer! Whether our guests are joining us for pub lunch surrounded by glorious countryside, a pint by the fire pit in our secret garden, a large celebration or just a simple day out, Danson Stables is the perfect spot for it.
What's in it for you?
- Reward Card via the MiXR App – 25% off food and drink for you and ALL your friends across our Managed Estate
- Stonegate Xtra Rewards – Online benefits portal offering discounts across the High Street and other retailers
- VIP entry to our Pubs and Bars
- Stonegate Hotel Discounts
- Flexible working
- David Lloyd Corporate Discount Rates
- Discounted Dental Insurance
- Stream – Early access to your earned wages
- Referral scheme of up to £1000 per person
If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. Please contact Danson Stables directly.
Head Chef employer: Metropolitan West
At Stonegate Group, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest operator of pubs and bars, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and individuality. As a Head Chef at Danson Stables, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also benefit from extensive training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a range of employee perks including discounts and rewards. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences in a historic setting while advancing your culinary career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into Danson Stables and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff, check out the menu, and get a feel for the vibe. This will not only help you stand out but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you're chatting with the hiring team, share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. Talk about how you’ve mentored your team and created a positive work environment. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss fresh ingredients! Since this role is all about high-quality food, come prepared to talk about your favourite dishes and how you source fresh ingredients. We want to hear your passion for cooking and how you keep up with food trends.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Danson Stables. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with fresh ingredients and kitchen operations. We want to see how your skills can elevate the dining experience at Danson Stables!
Be a Leader:As a Head Chef, leadership is key! Share examples of how you've guided and developed your team in the past. We love to see candidates who are passionate about mentoring others and driving a team towards excellence.
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you mention your knowledge of COSHH, Food Safety, and Health & Safety regulations. This shows us that you're up-to-date and ready to maintain high standards in our kitchen.
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 get to know you better. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metropolitan West
✨Know Your Ingredients
Brush up on your knowledge of fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. Be ready to discuss how you source quality ingredients and how they influence your menu creations. This shows your passion for food and commitment to excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Share specific examples of how you've mentored chefs and fostered a collaborative environment, as this is key for the role.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Make sure you're up-to-date with COSHH, food safety, and health regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards in these areas and how you ensure your team adheres to them, as this is crucial for running a safe kitchen.
✨Connect with the Front-of-House
Think about how you can bridge the gap between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Be ready to share ideas on fostering strong relationships that enhance the overall dining experience, as collaboration is essential for success at Danson Stables.
