Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Alfred Tennyson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create exceptional seasonal British dishes.
  • Company: Cubitt House, a collection of luxury pubs celebrating British heritage and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, 50% off food, flexible shifts, and exciting staff socials.
  • Other info: Enjoy perks like supplier trips, cocktail training, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Join a creative environment where your culinary skills can shine and make an impact.
  • Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Cubitt House is a collection of eight distinctive luxury London pubs celebrated for their seasonal British menus, impeccable hospitality, and timeless interiors. Inspired by master architect Thomas Cubitt, we honour London’s heritage by creating vibrant spaces that feel both elegant and welcoming. Our pubs—including The Thomas Cubitt, The Alfred Tennyson, The Orange, The Princess Royal, and The Grazing Goat—blend British craftsmanship with a sense of community, partnering with the finest artisans and producers to deliver exceptional experiences.

We are more than a pub group—we are a collection of passionate individuals dedicated to craft, creativity, and genuine hospitality. At Cubitt House, we believe in celebrating people and places through thoughtful design, locally sourced food, and warm, memorable moments.

The Role

We’re looking for a Head Chef to join the team at The Alfred Tennyson. As a Head Chef, you’ll be the driving force behind the kitchen, leading the team with vision, skill, and passion. You’ll take full responsibility for delivering outstanding seasonal menus, inspiring your brigade, and ensuring every dish reflects Cubitt House’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and memorable dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional dishes and service.
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Develop, refine, and innovate seasonal menus that showcase British ingredients and culinary techniques.
  • Champion sustainability, seasonality, and sourcing the finest local produce.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop junior chefs and the wider kitchen team.
  • Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene standards.
  • Collaborate with the wider management team to maintain a cohesive, creative, and vibrant food offering.

Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality hospitality environment.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
  • Excellent organisational, planning, and communication abilities.
  • Mastery of classic techniques such as butchery, charcuterie, and pastry.
  • Passion for seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Creative flair with a hands-on, adaptable approach.
  • Full eligibility to work in the UK.

On The House

At Cubitt House, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They bring our pubs to life, and we believe exceptional work deserves exceptional rewards. When you join our team, here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Competitive pay plus service charge. Advertised rate is inclusive of tronc.
  • 50% off food & drink across all Cubitt House pubs.
  • Perkbox – 30 points every month to spend however you like.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
  • Nursery scheme vouchers.
  • Access to fully funded apprenticeship opportunities for Levels 2-5, both front and back of house.
  • Wagestream.
  • Company pension.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Flexible shift patterns.
  • Length of service rewards.
  • Employee of the Month recognition.
  • Supplier trips, tastings, and external learning opportunities.
  • Monthly Bar Academy for cocktail mastery and premium drinks training.
  • Quarterly staff socials, competitions, and a legendary Christmas party.
  • Free language development school to help you grow.
  • A bottle of champagne on your birthday.
  • A supportive, passionate culture that values both skill and character.

Apply today and take the next step in your hospitality career with Cubitt House.

Head Chef employer: The Alfred Tennyson

Cubitt House is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for hospitality thrive. As a Head Chef at The Alfred Tennyson, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and numerous growth opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships and access to unique experiences like supplier trips and tastings. Join us in celebrating British culinary heritage while being part of a supportive team that values your contributions and fosters your professional development.
The Alfred Tennyson

Contact Detail:

The Alfred Tennyson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend local food events or join culinary groups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.

✨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 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 you love, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A personal touch can set you apart from the crowd and show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Whether it’s through online courses or workshops, continuous growth will make you a more attractive candidate for any head chef position.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Organisational Skills
Planning Skills
Communication Skills
Culinary Techniques
Butchery
Charcuterie
Pastry Skills
Creativity
Adaptability
Sustainability Awareness
Menu Development
Food Hygiene Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for seasonal ingredients and how you can bring that passion to our kitchens.

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about the specific dishes you've created or the teams you've led. We’re looking for concrete examples that showcase your leadership and culinary skills.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Head Chef role at Cubitt House. Highlight your experience with British cuisine and sustainability, as these are key to our ethos and what we value in our team.

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 from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Alfred Tennyson

✨Know Your Ingredients

Make sure you’re well-versed in seasonal British ingredients and culinary techniques. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate local produce into your menus, as this aligns perfectly with Cubitt House’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, you’ll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led a kitchen brigade in the past, focusing on mentorship and team development. Highlight your ability to create a positive kitchen culture.

✨Demonstrate Your Creativity

Cubitt House values creativity in their dishes. Bring along ideas for innovative seasonal menus that reflect your personal style while honouring British culinary traditions. This will show your passion and flair for cooking.

✨Understand the Business

Familiarise yourself with Cubitt House’s ethos and their approach to hospitality. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining high standards of service and quality, and how you can collaborate with the management team to enhance the overall dining experience.

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