At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and innovate menus using fresh, seasonal British ingredients.
- Company: Join The White Lion, a historic pub with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy in menu creation, culinary masterclasses, and discounts at Young's Pubs.
- Other info: Access to development programmes and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a supportive environment while leading a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a flair for creativity and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About us
Are you a passionate Head Chef looking to make your mark in a well-loved, food-led pub where quality, creativity, and people come first? The White Lion, a historic pub with rooms in the heart of Tenterden, Kent, is entering its strongest season and we’re looking for a talented Head Chef to join our kitchen team. This is a brilliant opportunity to work with fresh, seasonal British ingredients, put your own stamp on menus and specials, and play a key role in elevating a classic pub offer – all within a supportive, development-focused environment.
Being a Head Chef at Young's
We believe every pub should be different. This 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. Premium fresh food crafted by skilled chefs in Premium Pubs.
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
- Experience championing excellent service through quality food either as a Head Chef or in the position of Sous Chef
- Demonstrate a passion for leading and developing a team
- Be an active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills
- Be responsible and able to manage the kitchen staff rota, training and all health and safety effectively at all times
- Demonstrate your creativity and ability to design and deliver new dishes for our menus and daily specials
- Demonstrate great planning and organisational skills, necessary to maintain effective controls with regard to both GP and labour
- Have a pro-active approach to driving sales and delivering growth, through engagement with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
Skills
- Menu Development
- Food Safety
- Food Preparation
Head Chef in Kent employer: Young's Pubs
The White Lion in Tenterden, Kent, is an exceptional employer for passionate Head Chefs, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and quality are paramount. With full autonomy to craft unique menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients, employees benefit from comprehensive development opportunities, including culinary masterclasses and an Apprenticeship Scheme, all while enjoying perks like free meals and generous discounts. Join a supportive team that values your input and fosters growth in a historic pub setting, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and even local food bloggers. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised. Plus, who knows? You might get some insider tips on the best places to work!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your creativity. 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 you love, reach out directly to the pub or restaurant. A quick call or message can make you stand out from the crowd. Let them know why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Join culinary workshops or online courses to sharpen your skills. Not only does this boost your CV, but it also shows potential employers that you’re committed to your craft and always looking to improve.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about being a Head Chef, especially in a vibrant pub setting like The White Lion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your menu development experience and any creative dishes you've crafted that showcase seasonal ingredients.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our kitchen team. Mention specific examples of how you've led a team or developed menus that resonate with the pub's food vision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young's Pubs
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Head Chef, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your unique approach to menu development. Bring along examples of dishes you've created or ideas for seasonal specials that highlight local produce. This will show your potential employer that you can bring fresh ideas to their kitchen.
✨Know the Pub's Food Vision
Before the interview, research The White Lion and understand its food vision. Familiarise yourself with their current menu and think about how you can enhance it. Being able to articulate how your culinary style aligns with their ethos will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen staff in the past. Discuss your approach to training and developing team members, as well as how you handle challenges in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety, kitchen management, and cost control. Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you maintain quality while managing costs. This will show that you're not only creative but also practical and responsible.
