At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious dishes in a thriving gastro pub.
- Company: The Oak Inn, a warm and welcoming village pub with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: Creative freedom, share of gratuities, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Opportunities for varied services and community events.
- Why this job: Make an impact with fresh, flavour-led food and a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in running busy kitchens and managing dietary requirements.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead a passionate kitchen team in a thriving gastro pub? We’re a warm and welcoming village pub known for our consistently great food, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly team. From a fresh, seasonal à la carte offering to themed evenings and special event menus, we take pride in delivering delicious dishes that our guests love to return for.
What We Offer:
- A bustling kitchen environment with a supportive, close-knit team
- Creative freedom to influence and evolve the menu
- Opportunities to work on a wide variety of services – from breakfast to Sunday roasts, pizza and tapas nights to set menus for private functions and buffets
- A focus on quality, mostly fresh food, with attention to seasonal ingredients and flavour
- A share of gratuities
- Free on site parking
About You:
We’re looking for a confident and experienced Head Chef who:
- Is comfortable running a busy kitchen and thrives under pressure
- Has strong GP and costing knowledge with a sharp eye on margins
- Can manage stock ordering, prep planning, and minimise wastage
- Works collaboratively with the front of house to ensure seamless service
- Is passionate about fresh, flavour-led, gastro-style pub food
- Enjoys leading a team with positivity, good humour and respect
- Experience with buffets, sit-down events and managing dietary requirements is a must – our calendar contains bookings for private events, corporate functions, and fun community nights!
Typical Service Times:
Lunch: 12pm–3:00pm (3:30pm on Saturday)
Dinner: 5pm–8:30pm
Themed Nights & Events throughout the month
If you're ready to lead a kitchen that puts pride in people, produce, and pub classics done well, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in Lyndhurst employer: The Oak Inn
Join our vibrant team as a Front of House member in a friendly independent company that values exceptional customer service and teamwork. With flexible hours, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth, we foster a supportive work culture where your contributions are recognised and rewarded. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about creating memorable experiences for customers, this is the perfect place for you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Lyndhurst
✨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 Oak Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Oak Inn
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Oak 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 in Lyndhurst
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 Oak 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 Oak 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!
