At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create seasonal menus at a renowned country pub.
- Company: Join The Running Horses, an award-winning pub with a strong local following.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, staff meals, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate independent company focused on exceptional food and hospitality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the food offering and guest experiences in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Running Horses is looking for an experienced, ambitious and highly organised Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take ownership of the food offering at one of Surrey’s most established country pubs. Set in the beautiful village of Mickleham, The Running Horses is an award-winning pub with seven individually designed bedrooms, a strong local following and a reputation for quality seasonal food, warm hospitality and memorable Sunday lunches. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who wants the freedom to develop menus, build a strong kitchen culture and make a genuine impact within a growing independent pub company.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food, presentation, cleanliness and organisation. You will work closely with the General Manager and the senior leadership team to develop an exciting, commercially successful food offering that reflects the character of The Running Horses. Your responsibilities will include:
- Creating and developing seasonal menus using high-quality ingredients
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
- Delivering consistently excellent food across lunch, dinner, Sunday service, events and hotel breakfast
- Managing food costs, gross profit, stock levels and supplier relationships
- Producing accurate recipes, specifications, allergen information and dish costings
- Managing kitchen rotas and maintaining labour costs within agreed targets
- Recruiting, training and retaining a reliable and professional kitchen team
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Ensuring all kitchen checks, temperature records and due-diligence documentation are completed accurately
- Working collaboratively with the front-of-house team to deliver a seamless guest experience
- Supporting private events, weddings and seasonal promotions
- Reducing waste and improving kitchen efficiency
- Taking pride in the presentation, organisation and overall condition of the kitchen
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about British seasonal cooking and understands how to deliver excellent pub food consistently and commercially. The successful candidate will:
- Have previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality pub, restaurant or hotel
- Be confident leading and developing a kitchen brigade
- Have strong knowledge of food costs, gross profit, stock control and labour management
- Be calm, organised and hands-on during busy services
- Demonstrate excellent attention to detail
- Understand allergens, food safety legislation and kitchen compliance
- Be able to create exciting, achievable and commercially successful menus
- Have strong communication and leadership skills
- Take responsibility and lead by example
- Be passionate about creating memorable guest experiences
- Have a positive, professional and solutions-focused attitude
What We Offer
- Salary of £50,000 per annum
- Creative input into menus and the future direction of the food offering
- Support from an experienced senior leadership team
- Supplier relationships with quality local and national producers
- Staff meals while on duty
- Company discounts across Little & Large Pub Company venues
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- The opportunity to lead the kitchen at a respected Surrey pub
- A supportive and ambitious independent company environment
About Little & Large Pub Company
The Running Horses is part of Little & Large Pub Company, an independent collection of distinctive pubs, inns and restaurants across London, Surrey and Kent. We believe that it is the little things that make the large difference. We are passionate about exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, strong local relationships and creating venues that our teams and communities can be proud of.
Head Chef employer: The Running Horses
The Running Horses in Mickleham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for food thrive. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your culinary skills alongside an award-winning team, all while enjoying benefits like staff meals and discounts across our venues. Join us in a supportive environment that values fresh, seasonal cooking and fosters career advancement.
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 Running Horses. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Running Horses
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Running Horses 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 Running Horses 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 Running Horses
✨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!
