Head Chef

TN United Kingdom; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant and community-focused establishment as a Head Chef, where you will lead a talented kitchen team in creating exceptional culinary experiences. This role offers the chance to design innovative seasonal menus, oversee kitchen operations, and foster a collaborative work environment. With a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality dishes that delight our guests. Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay with tips, and a supportive team culture that values your contributions and offers opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Team and individual rewards

Flexible Hours

Additional tips

Career growth opportunities

Food and room discounts

Access to discounts through Chestnut Hub

High-quality staff meals

Industry-recognized qualifications

Employee recognition prizes

Referral scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or similar role in a hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal menus that reflect creativity.
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff to ensure high standards.

Skills

Culinary Creativity

Menu Development

Team Leadership

Inventory Management

Health and Safety Compliance

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

Food Safety Certification

Job description

The Eight Bells is seeking an experienced, skilled Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. At Chestnut, we pride ourselves on using fresh, locally sourced food, culinary creativity, and delivering an exceptional culinary experience for our guests.

About The Eight Bells

A member of the Chestnut collection of pubs, inns, and restaurants, we are a 16th-century timber-framed pub where our olde-worlde exterior contrasts with a modern, vibrant interior. Located where Essex meets Cambridgeshire in Saffron Walden, we celebrate the region’s people, provenance, and personality.

Job Requirements

1. Design and develop seasonal menus that reflect creativity aligned with Chestnut’s vision.
2. Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
3. Ensure every dish meets high standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
4. Oversee kitchen operations, including inventory management, cost control, and health and safety compliance.
5. Manage dry stock effectively.
6. Work closely with the General Manager to cultivate a motivated team environment, ensuring optimal performance.

Why Join Us?

• Incentives: Enjoy team and individual rewards, including staff days out and trips abroad.
• Flexible Hours: Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Tips: Earn additional tips on top of competitive hourly pay, with progress tracking via Wagestream.

Perks of Working with Us

• Join a friendly, supportive team and collaborate across Chestnut properties.
• Additional tips beyond competitive pay.
• Opportunities for career growth within hospitality.
• Vibrant, community-focused work environment.
• Food and room discounts for friends.
• Access to the Chestnut Hub with hundreds of discounts.
• High-quality staff meals.
• Industry-recognized qualifications.
• Employee recognition prizes.
• Referral scheme earning up to £1500 per referral.

About Chestnut

Located in East Anglia, we are a growing group of pubs with rooms and Bottle Shops. We pride ourselves on humility and excellence, valuing our team members and offering flexible hours to suit personal commitments.