At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen brigade and create seasonal menus with local produce.
- Company: Award-winning gastro pub in Oxfordshire with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, temporary live-in accommodation, and creative autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of an award-winning kitchen.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a respected kitchen while enjoying creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or exceptional Sous Chef ready for the next step.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Head Chef for an award-winning 2AA Rosette gastro pub in Oxfordshire, offering a fantastic opportunity for a talented and ambitious chef to lead a highly regarded kitchen with genuine creative freedom.
This beautiful country pub has established itself as one of the area's leading food destinations, combining outstanding hospitality with ambitious seasonal cooking. The kitchen is driven by seasonality and sustainability, with a substantial kitchen garden providing much of the produce used throughout the menus. From house-made cordials and garnishes to carefully sourced ingredients from local suppliers, the focus is firmly on creating food and drink with real provenance and personality.
The owners are passionate supporters of great food and hospitality, providing guidance and investment while giving their chefs the freedom to develop menus, champion local produce, and put their own stamp on the business.
Benefits:- Temporary live-in accommodation available for relocation
- Competitive salary package plus tronc and bonuses
- Genuine creative autonomy over menus
- Work with exceptional seasonal and home-grown produce
- Opportunity to lead an established 2AA Rosette kitchen
- Strong support from experienced ownership and senior management
- Career-defining opportunity within an award-winning gastro pub
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, leading a brigade of five while maintaining and building upon the property's excellent reputation. The successful candidate will need to be equally comfortable delivering refined 2AA Rosette-standard cuisine and leading a busy service operation, with restaurant dining, private events, weddings, and Sunday lunches all forming important parts of the business.
This is not a role for someone looking to chase accolades for themselves; it is an opportunity for a chef who genuinely loves cooking, developing people, and creating memorable food experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong fresh food background and the ability to balance quality with volume. The kitchen caters for everything from intimate dining experiences to busy weekend services and popular Sunday lunches of up to 160 covers, requiring a chef who can maintain exceptional standards while leading a fast-paced operation.
As Head Chef you will:
- Lead and inspire a talented kitchen brigade
- Develop seasonal menus showcasing the finest local produce
- Maintain and build upon the property's 2AA Rosette standards
- Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including GP, stock control, and labour management
- Work closely with suppliers and utilise produce from the kitchen garden
- Drive creativity and innovation across all food offerings
- Ensure consistency and excellence across restaurant, private dining, and event catering
- Train, mentor, and develop junior members of the brigade
This role would suit either an established Head Chef looking for greater creative freedom or an exceptional Sous Chef ready to take the next step and make their mark within a highly respected gastro pub. You will be passionate, energetic, and ambitious, with the personality and leadership skills required to take an already successful operation to the next level. This is a rare opportunity to inherit a strong reputation while having the freedom and support to shape the future direction of an award-winning kitchen.
Due to the number of applicants received, unfortunately we are unable to reply individually to each. Should your application be suitable for the role, then you'll hear from us within 48 hours, thank you.
Head Chef - 80k Package in Horsham employer: Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd
Join an award-winning gastro pub in Oxfordshire as Head Chef, where you will enjoy a competitive salary package and the unique opportunity to lead a 2AA Rosette kitchen with creative freedom. Benefit from strong support from experienced ownership, work with exceptional seasonal produce from the kitchen garden, and take your culinary career to new heights in a vibrant and passionate environment that values innovation and excellence.
Contact Details:
Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - 80k Package in Horsham
✨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! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also gets your name out there in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants or pubs you admire. A well-timed email or call can make all the difference in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - 80k Package in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with seasonal ingredients and how you’ve used them creatively in past roles. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen, managing a brigade, and maintaining high standards. We’re looking for someone who can take our kitchen to the next level!
Be Clear About Your Experience:Don’t hold back on detailing your previous roles and achievements. Whether it’s managing busy services or developing menus, we want to know how your background aligns with what we’re looking for. Be specific and confident!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the local produce and seasonal ingredients that the gastro pub prides itself on. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into your menus, showcasing your understanding of seasonality and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a brigade. Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you inspire and develop your team. Share specific examples of how you've mentored junior chefs or improved kitchen operations in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
This role offers genuine creative freedom, so come prepared with ideas for innovative dishes or menu concepts. Think about how you can put your own stamp on the business while maintaining the high standards expected of a 2AA Rosette kitchen.
✨Understand the Business Side
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing kitchen operations, including GP, stock control, and labour management. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to improve efficiency or reduce costs without compromising quality.
