Head Chef

Head Chef

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Ullswater Inn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create exceptional dining experiences.
  • Company: Join the award-winning Inn Collection Group, known for its outstanding hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy paid breaks, birthday holidays, and 50% off food at our Inns.
  • Other info: Colleague accommodation available and opportunities for career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with breathtaking views.
  • Qualifications: Passion for culinary excellence and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

What makes the perfect pub? It’s great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that’s at the heart of everything we do. The Inn Collection Group is a multi-award-winning pubs with rooms company, proudly located in some of the most outstanding destinations across the North of England and Wales. At ICG, we deliver exceptional hospitality by living and breathing our core values of respect, customer focused, warmth, and honesty, all with the goal of Making People Happy.

How we say thank you!

  • Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
  • Build your future with support from our Lead-Inn development program.
  • Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
  • Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns.
  • Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just £1.
  • Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
  • Experience a spontaneous trip away with £50 on same day bookings.
  • It’s not just for you—your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
  • 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Tronc (…that’s tips to me and you).
  • Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give-inn back scheme.
  • Join an award-winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

The Ullswater Inn boasts a prime location on the southern shore of Ullswater, with breathtaking views of the iconic Helvellyn. Situated in the heart of the Lake District, it’s the perfect spot to pull up a seat and enjoy unrivalled panoramas across the serene waters of Ullswater and the surrounding landscape.

You’ll Fit Right Inn When guests walk through the doors of our Inn, the experience truly begins in the kitchen. As Head Chef, you set the standard, bringing your creativity, skill, and dedication to every dish that leaves your team’s hands. From ensuring every meal is professionally prepared to perfection, your passion for culinary excellence makes our Inns not only a delight to dine at but also an inspiring place to work. Being a Head Chef is challenging and requires hard work, but your leadership is key to creating exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on quality, freshness, and presentation, you lead a talented kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional food that keeps guests coming back.

In addition to leading the team, you’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen’s daily operations, ensuring smooth running, managing orders with nominated suppliers, and meeting financial targets. Your ability to stay calm under pressure and efficiently achieve budgeted costs for food, wastage, and wages ensures everything runs to perfection. If you’re dedicated, passionate and love working in a fast-paced environment, we think you’ll fit right inn…

ICG supported Tristan's development, enabling him to grow from Chef de Partie into the role of Head Chef.

This role comes with the added benefit of colleague accommodation.

Head Chef employer: The Ullswater Inn

The Inn Collection Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises respect, warmth, and customer focus. With a commitment to employee growth through the Lead-Inn development programme, generous benefits like paid breaks, discounted stays, and a supportive environment, you’ll thrive as part of an award-winning team in the stunning Lake District. Join us at the Ullswater Inn, where your culinary passion will shine while enjoying breathtaking views and a fulfilling career.

The Ullswater Inn

Contact Details:

The Ullswater Inn Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, suppliers, and even regulars at your local pubs. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect Head Chef position 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 dishes. This not only gets your name out there 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 that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.

Tip Number 4

Keep an eye on our website for openings! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our award-winning team. Plus, applying through our site gives you a better chance to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef

Culinary Skills
Leadership
Creativity
Quality Control
Food Presentation
Kitchen Management
Operational Efficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark of creativity and dedication that makes you a perfect fit for our team.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with our values at ICG. Highlight your leadership abilities and how you've created exceptional dining experiences in the past. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with our mission.

Be Honest and Authentic:We value honesty and warmth, so be yourself in your application! Share your true self and what makes you unique as a chef. This helps us get to know you better and see how you'd fit into our welcoming atmosphere.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits there. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Ullswater Inn

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and the types of dishes served at the Inn Collection Group. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, how you would improve them, or even suggest new ideas that align with their focus on quality and freshness.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, your leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your ability to create an inspiring work environment and maintain high standards.

Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality

The Inn Collection Group values warmth and customer focus. Share stories that highlight your dedication to making guests happy, whether it’s through exceptional food or creating a welcoming atmosphere. This will show that you align with their core values.

Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about managing kitchen operations, budgeting, and maintaining quality under pressure. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated challenges in these areas. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to keep everything running smoothly.