At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create seasonal menus, and craft delicious British pub food.
- 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 development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a dynamic work environment with growth potential.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a renowned pub while showcasing your culinary creativity.
- 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:
- 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. 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. Roasts, pies, puddings, seasonal fish, steaks, braises, sandwiches, snacks and sharing dishes, all cooked with proper technique and a strong sense of place.
We want food with depth: rich stocks, glossy sauces, sharp pickles, proper seasoning, crisp textures and generous portions. 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. 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 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
- Leads from the front and brings energy, structure and pride to the kitchen
- 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
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 In Training in Ham employer: Young's
At The Lass O' Richmond Hill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. Located in the picturesque Richmond, our Head Chef In Training will benefit from access to comprehensive development programmes, culinary masterclasses, and the opportunity to shape a menu that celebrates seasonal British produce. With a focus on employee growth, generous discounts, and a commitment to quality, we offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about creating memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef In Training in Ham
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Since you’re going for a trainee role in the hospitality-food-service sector, look for ways to gain practical experience. Volunteer at local events or pop-up restaurants. Not only does this give you a taste of the industry, but it’s a great way to meet people and show you’re passionate about getting your foot in the door.
✨Visit Local Dining Hotspots
Don’t be shy – visit local restaurants, cafes, and bars! Drop in, chat with staff, and express your interest in trainee positions. Many places look for motivated trainees who are eager to learn and might even hire from walk-ins. Plus, you'll get a feel for the atmosphere and see where you might fit best.
✨Connect with Hospitality Colleges
Reach out to hospitality schools or colleges in your area. They often have partnerships with local businesses and can help connect you with trainee opportunities. They might also host job fairs or industry events that can be great for networking and meeting potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you're ready to apply, make sure you do it through our website at Young's. We often list trainee opportunities exclusively there, and it's a great way to stand out. Plus, our team values direct applications, so you don’t want to miss out on a chance to impress us!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef In Training in Ham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service industry, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to showcase any previous service experience in your CV or cover letter, whether it's from part-time jobs, volunteering, or even school projects. Let your enthusiasm for making a positive dining experience really shine through!
Mention Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food safety, hygiene, or customer service training, make sure to include these in your application. Many employers in hospitality value this kind of training, so it gives you a leg up over others who might not have them. Even if you're just starting out, mentioning your commitment to learning about these areas can impress hiring managers.
Express Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, it's crucial to convey your eagerness to learn on the job. Use your cover letter to share why you're excited about starting a career in hospitality and how you look forward to gaining hands-on experience. Employers want to see that you're motivated and ready to dive into the fast-paced environment of food service!
Tailor Your Application to Young's:When you're preparing your application for Young's, make sure to mention why you're specifically interested in working there. Do some research about their values, unique offerings, or reputation. Personalising your application not only shows that you're genuinely interested but also helps you stand out in a pool of candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young's
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is king! During the interview for a Head Chef In Training at Young's, be ready to demonstrate your people skills. Think of examples where you've handled difficult customers or worked as part of a team to create a great dining experience.
✨Get Familiar with Food Safety Standards
Expect some technical questions around food safety or health regulations relevant to the hospitality food service industry. Brush up on basic food hygiene rules and be prepared to discuss how you'd handle a situation related to food safety at Young's.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, your willingness to learn is crucial! Make sure to communicate your passion for the hospitality industry and your eagerness to dive into every aspect of your role. Talk about your motivations and any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in food service.
✨Bring Your Best Ideas for Customer Engagement
Think about ways you could enhance the dining experience at Young's. Whether it’s a fun theme night or a creative cocktail suggestion, having fresh ideas ready can show that you're enthusiastic and ready to contribute to the team's success, even as a trainee!
