Head Chef - Premium Country Gastropub - Tunbridge Wells 40-45k plus bonus

A hands-on Head Chef role leading a busy, from-scratch kitchen at a well-regarded country pub, with live-in available.

A well-regarded country gastropub near Tunbridge Wells is looking for a Head Chef to lead its kitchen.

The pub has a strong local reputation for fresh, seasonal food and proper cooking, and trades busily all week, building to around 200 covers on a Saturday and 300 to 400 on a Sunday.

This Head Chef role suits a chef who leads from the pass, cooks from scratch and holds standards when it is busy.

Live-in accommodation is available above the pub, making it a strong option for a Head Chef relocating to Kent.

The Head Chef role

• Lead the kitchen and deliver a fresh, seasonal gastropub menu.
• Cook from scratch, with stocks, sauces and jus made in house.
• Run a brigade of around three chefs plus KP midweek, rising to five or six chefs at weekends.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and GP.
• Keep standards consistent from prep through to high-volume Sunday service.
• Lead food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance.
• Work closely with front of house to deliver a great guest experience.

About you

• An experienced Head Chef, or an established Senior Sous Chef ready for a first Head Chef role.
• A background in quality pubs, gastropubs or good fresh-food restaurants.
• Passionate about seasonal produce and proper cooking techniques.
• Calm, organised and in control during big services.
• Confident with food costs, ordering and kitchen management.
• A leader who trains and develops a team.

The package

• 40-45k basic salary, depending on experience.
• Bonus on top.
• Live-in accommodation available above the pub.
• The chance to lead a busy Head Chef kitchen with an established reputation for quality food.

If you are a Head Chef with a strong fresh food background and want to lead a busy, quality-led pub kitchen in Kent, send your CV to stuartcampbell at COREcruitment dot com today.