At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, develop menus, and drive culinary excellence.
- Company: Y Bryncynan, a vibrant food pub in stunning North Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, live-in accommodation, free meals, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a beautiful coastal community with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a menu with local produce and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef or strong Senior Sous experience in fresh-food kitchens.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Y Bryncynan is a stone-built food pub on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales, recently taken on under new ownership and being repositioned as one of the region's leading food destinations. We're looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen and help us get there. This is a serious role for a serious chef. You'll have real input of the menu and the direction of the business, and a working relationship with directors who care about food, listen to your voice, and want you to push standards as far as they'll go.
The food
Fresh, modern British, built around local Welsh produce. The current menu already runs proper craft — 48-hour braised beef ragu, dry-aged Welsh pork belly with cider and wholegrain mustard, house focaccia and sourdough, fresh chicken & wild mushroom gnocchi, Menai mussels, slow-cooked Welsh beef, Welsh rarebit crumpets. Made in-house, no shortcuts, no freezer-to-fryer. Your job is to take it further.
What you'll own
- Full ownership of the kitchen—service, sections, pass, and standards
- Menu development, seasonal specials, and supplier relationships
- GP management, food cost control, ordering and waste
- Recruiting, training and developing the brigade
- Health & safety, food safety, and HACCP compliance
- Working directly with the directors on the food direction of the business
What you bring
- Proven Head Chef or strong Senior Sous experience in a fresh-food pub, gastropub, or rosette-level kitchen
- Real menu development and creative flair
- Strong commercial head—GP, food cost, labour control
- Calm, fair leadership style that builds and retains good teams
- Genuine ambition to grow with the business
The package
- Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience
- Tronc on top
- Live-in accommodation available — quality room on-site, walking distance to the kitchen
- Permanent, year-round contract— we trade 12 months
- Company pension
- Free meals on shift, staff discount off duty
- Free on-site parking
- Single site now, with more planned — real progression for the right person
Why the Llŷn
One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK — coast, surf, mountains, proper Welsh community, and a strong regional food scene with the likes of Plas Bodegroes, Dylan's and Porth Tocyn on the doorstep. Quality of life is genuine here, not a line in a job ad. If you're a Head Chef who wants to be involved in building something proper, with directors who'll back you and a business with room to grow, this is the role.
Head Chef — Lead Menus & Kitchen Excellence (Live-in) in Pwllheli employer: Only Chefs Ltd
Y Bryncynan offers an exceptional opportunity for a Head Chef to lead a kitchen in one of the UK's most stunning coastal locations. With a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a supportive management team that values your input, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and excellence. The role comes with competitive pay, live-in accommodation, and genuine opportunities for career progression in a vibrant community known for its rich culinary scene.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef — Lead Menus & Kitchen Excellence (Live-in) in Pwllheli
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs, suppliers, and food enthusiasts. Attend local food events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your menu ideas. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for food directly to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the restaurant or pub. A quick call or message can make you stand out from the crowd and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! Be honest about your ambitions and what you can bring to the table. Directors want to hear your vision for the kitchen, so don’t hold back on sharing your ideas when you get the chance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef — Lead Menus & Kitchen Excellence (Live-in) in Pwllheli
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your culinary journey, the dishes that inspire you, and how you plan to elevate our menu. We want to see your creative flair and genuine enthusiasm for fresh, local produce.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fresh-food pubs or rosette-level kitchens. We’re looking for someone who’s not just a chef but a leader. Share specific examples of how you've developed menus or trained teams in the past—this will show us you’re the right fit for our kitchen.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great candidate. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your skills and achievements—this makes it easier for us to see your strengths at a glance.
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 updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team at Y Bryncynan!
How to prepare for a job interview at Only Chefs Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and can discuss each dish in detail. Think about how you would elevate these dishes or introduce new seasonal specials. This shows your passion for food and your creative flair.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you build and retain a strong kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've developed staff in the past and how you plan to foster a positive working environment at Y Bryncynan.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your knowledge of GP management, food cost control, and waste management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these aspects in previous roles and how you can contribute to the financial health of the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Your Local Knowledge
Since the role focuses on using local Welsh produce, it’s beneficial to demonstrate your understanding of the regional food scene. Mention any local suppliers you’ve worked with or how you plan to source ingredients that reflect the area’s culinary identity.
