At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen brigade and create seasonal menus with local produce.
- Company: Award-winning gastro pub in beautiful Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, live-in accommodation, and creative autonomy over menus.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of an award-winning kitchen.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a respected kitchen with genuine creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or exceptional Sous Chef with a passion for cooking.
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.
Head Chef - 80k Package in Oxford employer: Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd
Join an award-winning gastro pub in the heart of Oxfordshire, where you will enjoy a competitive salary package and the unique opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team with genuine creative freedom. With a strong focus on seasonal and sustainable produce, you'll have the chance to develop innovative menus while benefiting from strong support and guidance from experienced ownership. This role not only offers temporary live-in accommodation for relocation but also provides a career-defining opportunity to make your mark in a highly regarded establishment known for its exceptional food and hospitality.
Contact Details:
Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - 80k Package in Oxford
✨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 culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity and passion for food. This can really make you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants or pubs you admire and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way 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 Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your professional experience and qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head Chef, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary journey!
Let Your Personality Shine:This role is all about passion and creativity, so let your personality come through in your application. Share your love for cooking and how you’ve developed menus or led teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys creating memorable food experiences!
Be Clear About Your Skills:Make sure to mention any soft skills that are relevant to the role, like leadership and teamwork. We value a chef who can inspire their brigade and maintain high standards, so don’t forget to include examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
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 we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Taste Hospitality Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and any seasonal dishes. Be ready to discuss how you would innovate or improve it, showcasing your creativity and understanding of local produce.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a brigade. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, focusing on mentorship and development. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and elevate those around you.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability
Given the focus on seasonality and sustainability, be prepared to discuss your approach to sourcing ingredients and how you’ve implemented sustainable practices in previous roles. This shows alignment with the pub's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling busy services or managing kitchen operations under pressure. Think of specific instances where you maintained high standards during peak times, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
