At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, develop menus, and inspire a talented team.
- Company: The Three Hills, a renowned pub in a charming Cambridgeshire village.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, performance bonuses, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced work culture in a beautifully designed kitchen.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant pub while crafting exceptional seasonal dishes.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with a passion for British produce.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Three Hills, a critically acclaimed pub with rooms set in one of the smallest villages in Cambridgeshire. Since reopening in 2017 following a full renovation, The Three Hills has built a strong reputation for delivering refined, seasonal food in a relaxed rural setting. Our approach is ingredient‑led, with a focus on quality, consistency, and thoughtful execution rather than unnecessary complexity. This is a pivotal role. You will take full ownership of the kitchen, working closely with the owners to continue evolving the food offering while maintaining the standards our guests expect.
What we’re looking for:
- A proven Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ready to step up
- A genuine passion for seasonal British produce
- A calm, organised leader who can build and retain a happy, motivated team
- Someone commercially aware who understands margins, GP, and labour control
- A chef who values consistency just as highly as creativity
What the role involves:
- Full responsibility for menu development and execution
- Leading, training, and inspiring the kitchen team
- Maintaining high standards across all services (restaurant and private events)
- Overseeing a busy calendar of events and weddings, delivering high-quality food at scale without compromising on detail
- Working with trusted suppliers to source the best ingredients
- Managing food cost, wastage, and kitchen operations
What we offer:
- A well‑invested, beautifully designed kitchen and site
- A supportive ownership team that understands hospitality
- Competitive salary + tips + performance‑related bonus
- The opportunity to put your stamp on a highly regarded destination pub
- A balanced approach to service and working culture
This role would suit a chef who wants to cook serious food without the constraints of a formal fine dining environment - someone who enjoys the rhythm of a busy, quality‑driven pub and is equally comfortable delivering a standout restaurant service and exceptional large‑scale events. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role in a standout rural venue, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Cambridge employer: Only Chefs Ltd
The Three Hills offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals, combining a beautifully designed kitchen with a supportive ownership team that values creativity and quality. As a Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team in a relaxed rural setting, crafting seasonal British dishes while enjoying competitive pay and performance-related bonuses. This role not only allows for personal growth and the chance to make a significant impact on a highly regarded destination pub but also fosters a balanced approach to service and work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings 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 do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job listings to appear. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Three Hills, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your social media profiles with your latest culinary creations and experiences. Employers often check these out, so let them see your passion for seasonal British produce!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine love for seasonal British produce in your application. Share any experiences or dishes that highlight your commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful execution.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to know how you lead and inspire your team! Include examples of how you've built a motivated kitchen environment and maintained high standards, especially during busy services.
Be Commercially Savvy:Demonstrate your understanding of margins, GP, and labour control in your application. This role is pivotal, so showing us your commercial awareness will set you apart from the rest.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Three Hills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Seasonal Produce
Make sure to express your genuine love for seasonal British ingredients during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've used local produce in your previous roles, and discuss any creative dishes you've developed that highlight these ingredients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any successful team-building activities or initiatives you've implemented.
✨Know Your Numbers
Being commercially aware is crucial for this role. Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, margins, and labour control. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous positions and how you plan to maintain profitability while delivering high-quality food.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Questions
Expect questions about your approach to menu development. Think about how you would evolve the current offerings at The Three Hills while maintaining their reputation. Bring ideas to the table that reflect your understanding of the pub's ethos and the importance of consistency and creativity.
