Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 35000 - 50000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create and innovate seasonal menus while leading a passionate kitchen team.
  • Company: The Spotted Horse, a beloved pub with a vibrant atmosphere in Putney.
  • Benefits: Full menu autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Showcase your creativity and passion for fresh British cooking in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Join a community-focused pub with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 50000 Β£ per year.

The Spotted Horse is a well-loved pub in the heart of Putney High Street, known for its relaxed atmosphere, loyal local crowd, and strong food reputation. Our kitchen focuses on seasonal, fresh British cooking, classic pub dishes, and regularly changing specials. Food is a key part of what we do, with a menu that balances quality, consistency, and creativity.

As a Head Chef, you will have the autonomy to create your own menus and specials using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could include showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, or dry-aged meat. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best.

What we offer our Head Chefs:

  • Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
  • Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery, and Shellfish
  • Access to inspirational food trips with our top-quality suppliers
  • Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
  • Free meals
  • 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
  • Share save Scheme
  • Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
  • 28 Days Holiday per year

What we look for in a Head Chef:

  • Experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef
  • A passion for leading and developing a team
  • An active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills
  • Ability to manage the kitchen staff rota, training, and all health and safety effectively at all times
  • Creativity and ability to design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
  • Great planning and organisational skills necessary to maintain effective controls regarding both GP and labour
  • A pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams

Head Chef employer: Spotted Horse

The Spotted Horse is an exceptional employer, offering Head Chefs the unique opportunity to craft their own menus in a vibrant and supportive environment. With a focus on fresh, seasonal British cooking, our work culture encourages creativity and collaboration, while providing access to professional development through culinary masterclasses and an Apprenticeship Scheme. Located in the heart of Putney, we pride ourselves on our community spirit and commitment to quality, making it a rewarding place for chefs to thrive and grow.
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Contact Detail:

Spotted Horse Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the pub's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a pint and check out the menu. This way, you can chat about how your culinary style fits with their seasonal British cooking and showcase your passion for local produce.

✨Tip Number 2

Bring your creativity to the table! Prepare a few unique dish ideas that could fit into their menu. This shows you're not just about following recipes but are ready to innovate and make your mark as Head Chef.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with other chefs! Join culinary forums or local chef groups to share ideas and get inspired. You never know who might have a connection at The Spotted Horse or can offer you some insider tips.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Menu Development
Recipe Creation
Seasonal Ingredient Knowledge
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Creativity in Dish Design
Planning and Organisational Skills
Cost Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Hands-on Team Player
Customer Service Excellence
Proactive Sales Engagement
Training and Staff Development

Some tips for your application 🫑

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share your culinary journey and how you’ve crafted menus that reflect your unique style and creativity.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your experience in inspiring and developing others. Talk about how you've successfully managed kitchen staff and fostered a positive working environment.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you’ve created, how you’ve driven sales, or any innovative ideas you’ve implemented in past kitchens. This will help us see your potential.

Apply Through Our Website: We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your details and start the conversation about your future with us at The Spotted Horse.

How to prepare for a job interview at Spotted Horse

✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity

As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create unique and seasonal menus. Prepare a few signature dishes that reflect your style and the pub's vision. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate local produce and seasonal ingredients into your menu.

✨Lead with Passion

The Spotted Horse values leadership and team development. Share examples of how you've inspired your team in previous roles. Talk about your approach to training and mentoring kitchen staff, and how you foster a positive working environment.

✨Know Your Numbers

Understanding food costs and labour management is crucial for this role. Brush up on your budgeting skills and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain effective controls over GP and labour costs while still delivering high-quality dishes.

✨Engage with the Front of House

Collaboration between the kitchen and front of house is key to driving sales. Think about how you can work closely with the front of house team to enhance the dining experience. Be ready to share ideas on how to create specials that will excite both staff and customers.

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