At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and innovate seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients.
- Company: The Westgate, a vibrant pub in Winchester with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Benefits: Full menu autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and enhanced pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy 28 days holiday and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Lead a passionate team and showcase your culinary creativity in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Westgate is a welcoming pub with rooms located at the top of the High Street in Winchester. Overlooking the historic town centre, we offer a traditional style British pub experience with a selection of local ales, quality dining, boutique rooms and a warm welcome guaranteed.
Being a Head Chef at Young's means that you'll be writing your own recipes that match the food vision of your business using fresh seasonal ingredients. The food vision could be all about showcasing local produce, country pub classics, seafood, small plates and sharers, dry-aged meat - each pub is different and it's up to you as head chef to put your own creative stamp on that vision. We work with fresh, seasonal produce, so the menu should constantly evolve to showcase these fantastic ingredients when they are at their best.
What we offer our Head Chefs:
- Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Access to regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Access to inspirational food trips with our top quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to inspire and develop
- Free meals
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs and 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 Days Holiday per year
What we look for in a Head Chef:
- Someone that can inspire a team, bring out the potential and lead by example whilst being able to develop, cost and produce fresh seasonal menus for the variety of revenue streams within the business.
- Experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef
- A passion for leading and developing a team
- An active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills
- Responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times
- Ability to demonstrate creativity and design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
- Great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour
- A pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front of house teams
Head Chef - Fresh Food Pub in Winchester employer: Young & Co
Contact Detail:
Young & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Fresh Food Pub in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene in Winchester! Visit local pubs, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand what makes a great pub experience and inspire your own food vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you’re networking or chatting with potential employers, share your unique ideas for menus and specials. Let them see your passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and how you can elevate their offerings.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! Reach out to the hiring team at Young's through our website. Ask questions about the role, share your thoughts on their current menu, and express your enthusiasm for being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed kitchen teams before. Be ready to discuss how you can drive sales and create a buzz around new dishes!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Fresh Food Pub in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, seasonal ingredients shine through. Share any experiences you've had with local produce or creating unique dishes that reflect your culinary vision.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in inspiring and developing others. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team or improved kitchen dynamics in the past.
Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas: We want to see your creativity! Include some ideas for potential menu items or specials that align with our food vision. This will show us that you can think outside the box and bring something unique to The Westgate.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Westgate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young & Co
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your unique food vision and how you would incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your menus. Bring along a few recipe ideas that reflect your style and the pub's ethos, as this will demonstrate your passion and creativity.
✨Lead with Confidence
As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative environment, as this is key to the role.
✨Know Your Numbers
Understanding food costs and labour management is crucial. Brush up on your knowledge of GP (Gross Profit) and be prepared to discuss how you would manage costs while still delivering high-quality dishes. This shows you're not just creative but also business-savvy.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Make sure to ask questions about the pub's current menu and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge how you can contribute to their success. Plus, it’s a great way to start a conversation!