At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create seasonal menus, and craft delicious British pub classics.
- Company: The Lass O' Richmond Hill, a historic pub with a passion for quality food.
- Benefits: Up to £49,000 plus tips, free meals, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for development and culinary masterclasses.
- Why this job: Shape the food identity of a beloved pub and make your mark in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh food kitchens and a love for seasonal British produce.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Lass O' Richmond Hill is looking for a talented, passionate and ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen of one of Richmond's most distinctive pubs. Sitting proudly at the top of Richmond Hill, just moments from Richmond Park, The Lass is a beautiful historic pub with open fires, a sun-soaked garden and a reputation for quality seasonal food. We are a food-led pub with real personality, built around British produce, proper pub classics and dishes that feel generous, thoughtful and full of flavour.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a Head Chef who wants more than just a kitchen to run. At The Lass, you will have the freedom to shape the food identity, create your own menus and specials, work with great suppliers and lead a kitchen with genuine ambition.
What we offer our Head Chef:
- Full autonomy to create your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Regular culinary masterclasses covering topics such as game, butchery and shellfish
- Inspirational food trips with our top-quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with other Head Chefs to share ideas, inspire and develop
- Free meals while on shift
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs
- 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share Save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 days holiday per year
- The chance to lead a kitchen in a beautiful, established, food-led pub with huge potential
About the food:
The Lass is built around the idea that a great pub menu should feel familiar, generous and deeply satisfying, while still showing real craft. We want food that guests recognise, crave and return for, delivered with the confidence and discipline of a serious kitchen. The food style is seasonal British pub cooking with a refined, produce-led edge. Think beef tartare with crisp game chips, mince on dripping toast, terrines, pâtés and pickles made in-house, proper pies with deep glossy fillings and buttery pastry, rich braises, hand-cut chips, excellent roasts, seasonal fish, steaks, chops, puddings and simple vegetable-led dishes treated with real care.
This is not about overworked plates or unnecessary fuss. The best dishes at The Lass should feel bold, honest and full of flavour. A guest should be able to look at the menu and immediately want to eat, whether they are stopping in after a walk in Richmond Park, settling in by the fire, or booking a long Sunday lunch with friends.
Our direction is rooted in:
- British classics done properly
Are you the right candidate for this opportunity?
Roasts, pies, puddings, seasonal fish, steaks, braises, sandwiches, snacks and sharing dishes, all cooked with proper technique and a strong sense of place. Gutsy, confident flavours. We want food with depth: rich stocks, glossy sauces, sharp pickles, proper seasoning, crisp textures and generous portions. Nothing should feel timid, decorative or apologetic.
Seasonal ingredients and thoughtful sourcing. Menus should move with the seasons, using British produce wherever possible and celebrating the best of each moment — spring greens, summer tomatoes, autumn game, winter roots, coastal fish, orchard fruit and proper cheese.
House-made touches. Pickles, chutneys, sauces, pastry, stocks, dressings, relishes and snacks should give the menu its own personality and create value through skill rather than gimmicks.
A strong bar and snack offer. The Lass should have food that works for every occasion: a quick pint and something salty, a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, a garden gathering or a proper Sunday roast.
Sunday as a key part of the offer. Sunday lunch is central to The Lass. We want roasts that feel abundant, consistent and worth travelling for, with excellent gravy, crisp potatoes, proper vegetables, generous Yorkshire puddings and the kind of execution that turns first-time guests into regulars.
Seasonal specials with purpose. Specials should feel exciting but grounded: whole fish, grilled chops, game, offal, slow braises, tarts, pies, seasonal vegetables and dishes that make full use of the kitchen's skill. The menu should change enough to feel alive, but always remain recognisably pub-first.
The right Head Chef will understand that The Lass does not need to chase trends. It needs to serve proper British pub food with confidence, discipline and soul — food that feels rooted in tradition, sharpened by skill and generous enough to bring people back.
What we look for in a Head Chef:
- Has experience leading a fresh food kitchen
- Loves seasonal British produce and proper pub food done well
- Can create menus that are creative, commercial and consistent
- Understands GP, stock control, ordering and labour management
- Leads from the front and brings energy, structure and pride to the kitchen
- Can train, motivate and develop their team
- Takes ownership of standards, food safety and kitchen organisation
- Thrives during busy services, especially Sundays, events and seasonal peaks
- Wants to make their mark on a pub with character, heritage and ambition
About you:
You will be creative but organised, ambitious but grounded, and confident enough to take ownership of the kitchen while working closely with the General Manager to keep building The Lass as a local worth travelling to. This is a role for a chef who wants autonomy, support, development and the chance to lead a kitchen with real identity.
Apply now and bring your food, your ideas and your leadership to The Lass O' Richmond Hill.
Head Chef (Hiring Immediately) in Ham employer: Young's
At The Lass O' Richmond Hill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and autonomy in the kitchen. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering our Head Chef the opportunity to shape menus and lead a passionate team in a historic pub setting. With access to development programmes, culinary masterclasses, and generous employee benefits, including discounts and a strong pension scheme, we are committed to supporting your growth while you create memorable dining experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Hiring Immediately) in Ham
✨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 Young's. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Young's
Don't be shy about reaching out to Young's 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 (Hiring Immediately) in Ham
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 Young's 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 Young's
✨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!
