Chef

Shepherd Neame; West Malling; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips sharing

Early wage access

Food & drink discounts

Overnight stays discount

Shop discounts

Mental health platform

Pension

Career development

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Shepherd Neame is seeking a Chef at The Spitfire in West Malling to prepare and present dishes to a high standard within a busy kitchen environment. The role offers competitive hourly pay with tips, and scope to develop your culinary career within Britain's oldest brewer.

You will work as part of a passionate kitchen team, upholding hygiene and safety standards, and assisting with stock control and kitchen organisation while mentoring junior colleagues. Flexible hours support work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Pride and Passion – you care about quality and presentation.
• Sheps Spirit – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
• Authenticity – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
• Working Together – you enjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes to company standards, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team to maintain smooth service during busy periods.
• Uphold hygiene, safety, and compliance standards at all times.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, and kitchen organisation.
• Support and mentor junior team members, helping them develop their skills.

Skills

Pride and Passion

Sheps Spirit

Authenticity

Working Together

Job description

Employment type: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: 12.90 per hour

Chef – Cook Up a Career with Britain’s Oldest Brewer!

At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Chef, you’ll play a key role in preparing and presenting dishes to the highest standard, working as part of a passionate kitchen team to deliver exceptional quality and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and progress your culinary career.

Where You’ll Be Working

The Spitfire is a contemporary pub that forms part of the 650-acre West Malling King’s Hill business and residential park. The pub stands on the former Battle of Britain RAF West Malling base. Outside, there’s a lush green garden with ample seating for living the alfresco lifestyle. The Spitfire enjoys a great reputation for its food, dishes are freshly-prepared on the premises from local, seasonal produce, and enjoyed in spacious, stylish dining areas on both floors.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and cook dishes to company standards, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team to maintain smooth service during busy periods.
• Uphold hygiene, safety, and compliance standards at all times.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, and kitchen organisation.
• Support and mentor junior team members, helping them develop their skills.

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
• Early wage withdrawal scheme
• 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
• 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
• Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
• Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
• Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
• Company pension plan
• Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
• Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Chef:

• Pride and Passion – you care about quality and presentation.
• Sheps Spirit – you bring enthusiasm and a passion for food.
• Authenticity – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
• Working Together – you enjoy working collaboratively and supporting colleagues.

Why Shepherd Neame?

Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future.