Head Chef

Rhubarb Hospitality Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant independent café in North Bristol as a Head Chef, leading a passionate kitchen team in a daytime-only environment. Enjoy a supportive culture with a strong work-life balance, crafting fresh and exciting dishes while ensuring high standards in a busy setting.

Benefits

28 days paid leave, including a 10-day Christmas closure

Free meals and drinks on shift

Paid-for staff events

Guaranteed days off per week

Close-knit, fun, and respectful team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume setting.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen systems, stock, and safety standards.
• Calm, enthusiastic, and can-do attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a busy kitchen team to deliver outstanding food quality.
• Oversee rotas, training, stock control, and kitchen operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Organisational skills

Knowledge of food safety

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Head Chef – Independent Café - daytime only - North Bristol – to £50k

Location:North Bristol
Salary: to £50k depending on experience
Hours:Daytime only - Full-time, 8am-6pm + occasional evening events
Contract: Permanentapprox.45hrs per week

Rhubarb Hospitality Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting a Head Chef for this independent daytime café in North, Bristol. Renowned for its warm, community vibe, exceptional coffee, and all-day casual dining, this bustling café is seeking a talented Hands-on Head Chef and Kitchen Manager to steer its kitchen team into an exciting new chapter.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, bringing creativity, strong leadership, and a passion for fresh, vibrant food. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef seeking a supportive, professional environment with a relaxed atmosphere and genuine work-life balance. Menus include all-day breakfasts, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, toasts, paninis etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a busy kitchen team to deliver outstanding food quality
• Oversee rotas, training, stock control, and kitchen operations
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations
• Further Develop innovative dishes and menus
• Maintain a positive, energetic, and collaborative kitchen environment

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume setting
• Exceptional organisational and team management skills
• Strong knowledge of kitchen systems, stock, and safety standards
• Passion for crafting fresh, flavourful dishes
• A calm, enthusiastic, and can-do attitude
• Ability to work weekends on a rota basis

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £45k to £50k depending on experience
• Work-life balance: Daytime hours (café closes by 6 pm), no split shifts, two guaranteed days off per week
• Generous holiday: 28 days paid leave, including a 10-day Christmas closure
• Team perks: Free meals and drinks on shift, paid-for staff events
• Supportive culture: A close-knit, fun, and respectful team

Working Hours

• Full-time, approx. 45 hours per week
• Between 8 am and 6 pm
• 7-day operation with weekend work on a rota
• Primarily daytime hours, with occasional evening events or private functions

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to lead with passion in a vibrant, community-focused café that feels like home. If you’re a creative, capable, and calm Head Chef ready to make your mark, we’d love to hear from you!