At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create seasonal British dishes for a renowned pub.
- Company: The Three Hills, a celebrated pub in a charming Cambridgeshire village.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, performance bonuses, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage exciting events and maintain high culinary standards.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant kitchen while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with a passion for seasonal produce.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Lead Chef: Seasonal British Cuisine & Large-Event Kitchen in Cambridge employer: Only Chefs Ltd
The Three Hills offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals, combining a passion for seasonal British cuisine with a supportive and collaborative culture. Located in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside, our team enjoys a beautifully designed kitchen, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to lead a talented group while crafting memorable dining experiences. We prioritise employee growth and creativity, making it an ideal place for chefs looking to make their mark in a vibrant pub setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chef: Seasonal British Cuisine & Large-Event Kitchen in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend local food events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your seasonal British cuisine. This not only demonstrates your culinary prowess 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 listings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you admire, like The Three Hills. Express your passion for their food philosophy and let them know you’re interested in joining their team. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and any culinary portfolios you have. Share your experiences, dishes you've created, and any events you've led. This way, when employers check you out, they’ll see exactly why you’re the perfect fit for their kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chef: Seasonal British Cuisine & Large-Event Kitchen in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seasonal British Cuisine:When writing your application, let your love for seasonal British produce shine through. Share any experiences or dishes that highlight your commitment to quality ingredients and how you’ve used them in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to know about your experience leading a kitchen team! Talk about how you've inspired and trained others, and how you maintain a positive atmosphere. A calm and organised leader is what we’re after!
Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness:Make sure to mention your understanding of margins, GP, and labour control in your application. We’re looking for someone who can balance creativity with the business side of running a kitchen, so show us you’ve got this covered!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget 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
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you’re well-versed in seasonal British produce. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu. This shows your genuine passion for the cuisine and aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you inspire and motivate your team, especially in high-pressure situations. They want someone who can maintain a calm and organised environment.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, margins, and labour control. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to run a successful kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Menu Development
Think about how you would approach menu development for The Three Hills. Prepare ideas that reflect their focus on quality and consistency while also showcasing your creativity. This is your chance to show how you can put your stamp on their offerings.
