At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create seasonal menus, and develop a passionate team.
- Company: Join an independent pub group focused on great food and genuine hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus program, staff meals, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with a focus on quality ingredients and community.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a beautiful country pub and elevate its food reputation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
- We’re looking for an ambitious, hands-on
- Head Chef to lead the kitchen at
The Leicester Arms , our beautiful country pub with rooms in the heart of Penshurst, Kent.
The Leicester Arms is part of
Little & Large Pub Company , an independent hospitality group focused on great pubs, brilliant food and warm, genuine hospitality.
Following a major refurbishment, The Leicester Arms combines a busy village pub, restaurant, private dining and 11 individually designed bedrooms.
We’re now looking for a Head Chef who can take real ownership of the kitchen and help us continue to develop the food offer.
The Role This is a hands-on Head Chef position.
We’re looking for someone who wants to be in the kitchen, leading from the front, developing their team and delivering consistently excellent food.
You’ll be responsible for
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
- Delivering consistently high standards across every service
- Creating and developing seasonal menus alongside the wider food team
- Working with great British produce and quality local suppliers
- Maintaining strong food GP and effective stock control
- Managing kitchen labour and rotas
- Ordering, stock management and supplier relationships
- Recruitment, training and development of the brigade
- Maintaining excellent food safety, allergen and health & safety standards
- Working closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team
- Developing the pub’s food reputation within Penshurst and the surrounding area
- Driving specials, events, Sunday lunch and seasonal food activity
About You We’re looking for someone who
- Has experience as a Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- Loves proper pub food and seasonal British cooking
- Is organised, commercially aware and comfortable managing GP and labour
- Enjoys developing menus and bringing new ideas to the table
- Can recruit, train and retain a strong kitchen team
- Leads from the front and sets high standards
- Understands that consistency is just as important as creativity
- Works collaboratively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
- Takes pride in running a clean, organised and professional kitchen
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about food, people and hospitality.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- The opportunity to lead and develop your own kitchen
- Creative input into menus and future food direction
- Bonus Program
- Opportunities to develop within a growing independent pub company
- Staff food and company benefits
- A fantastic venue in one of Kent’s most beautiful villages
About Little & Large We are an independent collection of pubs built around a simple philosophy:
It’s the little things that make the large difference.
We believe great hospitality comes from brilliant people, quality ingredients, attention to detail and creating places that our teams and local communities can be proud of.
If you’re looking for a Head Chef role where you can genuinely make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef employer: The Leicester Arms Country Inn
The Leicester Arms Country Inn offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where creativity in the kitchen is encouraged. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, employees have the opportunity to develop their culinary skills while being part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. Located in the picturesque setting of Penshurst, this role not only promises professional growth but also a chance to be part of a community that values quality and teamwork.
Contact Details:
The Leicester Arms Country Inn Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Leicester Arms Country Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Leicester Arms Country Inn
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Leicester Arms Country Inn directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Leicester Arms Country Inn and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Leicester Arms Country Inn
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
