HEAD CHEF

COREcruitment; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable restaurant group in central London is looking for a Head Chef to lead a fresh food kitchen in a neighbourhood bar and restaurant. The role involves managing a small team, creating seasonal menus, and ensuring high standards of food quality. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in similar roles and a passion for British cuisine. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for future progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus tronc

Autonomy and the chance to shape the kitchen

Opportunity to join a growing company with progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a gastropub or high-quality restaurant.
• Confident managing company set menus and chef specials.
• Skilled at menu costing and kitchen financials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a compact kitchen team.
• Develop, cost, and deliver set menus and specials using fresh produce.
• Manage kitchen financials including food cost and waste.

Skills

Proven experience as a Head Chef in a gastropub or high quality pub or restaurant

Confident managing company set menus and specials

Skilled at menu costing, kitchen financials and cost control

Strong people leader building a positive kitchen culture

Passion for fresh, British led seasonal cooking

Job description

Head Chef, Neighbourhood bar and restaurant NW london

Central London

Salary £50,000–£55,000 plus tronc

About the role

We are seeking a talented Head Chef to lead a fresh food kitchen in a stylish, intimate neighbourhood bar and restaurant NW london. You will take charge of a small team in a cosy environment where quality and atmosphere matter.

The venue is known for British seasonal dishes and classic pub style fare, they have elevated with care and attention. The menu is a mix of a core menu and specials. It gives you consistency while still giving you room to be creative – working in this way is a real plus.

What you will do

• Lead and inspire a compact kitchen team, creating a calm, productive environment
• Develop, cost and deliver set menus and chef specials using fresh, seasonal produce
• Manage kitchen financials including food cost, waste, labour cost and supplier relationships
• Take ownership of menu costing and ensure profitability while maintaining high standard
• Drive people management through training, mentoring, performance and rostering
• Ensure consistency, quality and timing across service
• Uphold and elevate a gastro pub standard of food in a relaxed but well organised setting

Who you are

• You have proven experience as a Head Chef in a gastropub or high quality pub or restaurant
• You are confident managing both company set menus and a specials board
• You are skilled at menu costing, kitchen financials and cost control
• You are a strong people leader who can build a positive kitchen culture
• You enjoy working in a small team where your leadership and hands‑on skills matter
• You have a passion for fresh, British led seasonal cooking and delivering excellent food in an accessible setting

Why this is a great opportunity

• Central London location in a well‑established pub with a strong reputation for quality cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere
• Leadership role with autonomy and the chance to shape the kitchen
• Competitive salary plus tronc
• Opportunity to join a growing company with future progression

If you are ready to take the lead in a high quality but relaxed pub kitchen, working with fresh food, managing the numbers and inspiring a small team, we would like to hear from you.

NO SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE