At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, crafting delicious dishes from fresh ingredients.
- Company: Join Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub operator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and access to exclusive rewards.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the dining experience in a historic pub while mentoring aspiring chefs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a passion for fresh food preparation.
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 - Heritage Pubs in Bexleyheath employer: Stonegate Company Ltd.
At Stonegate Group, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest operator of pubs and bars, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values individuality and supports employee growth. As the Head Chef at Danson Stables, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working hours, discounts across our venues, and opportunities for personal development in a historic setting that celebrates British hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Heritage Pubs in Bexleyheath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend local food events or join culinary groups online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or cooking demo to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply, engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it fresh! Stay updated on the latest food trends and techniques. Share your knowledge on social media or in culinary forums. This shows you're passionate and committed to your craft, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Heritage Pubs in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and cooking shine through. Share your experiences with food and how you’ve created memorable dining experiences in the past.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and fostered a positive kitchen environment in your previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Knowledge:Mention your familiarity with COSHH, Food Safety, and Health & Safety regulations. This shows us that you’re not just a great cook but also someone who understands the importance of running a safe and compliant kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see 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 Stonegate Company Ltd.
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh ingredients and cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss how you source quality produce and how that impacts the dishes you create. This will show your passion for food and commitment to excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed kitchen staff in the past. Talk about your mentoring style and how you foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with COSHH, Food Safety, and Health & Safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high standards in the kitchen and ensure compliance, as this is crucial for any role in a busy pub environment.
✨Connect with the Front-of-House
Think about how you can bridge the gap between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Prepare to share ideas on how to enhance collaboration and improve the overall dining experience, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to driving growth.
