Head Chef

The Hope & Anchor; Hereford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hope & Anchor, a picturesque riverside pub in Ross-on-Wye, is seeking a creative and motivated Head Chef to lead its thriving kitchen. This role involves designing seasonal menus, managing a team, and overseeing all food operations while ensuring high-quality standards and profitability. Join a passionate team in a beautiful setting and take ownership of a diverse food offering.

Benefits

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

Wagestream – access your earnings when you need them

Tipjar – equal share of all tips received

Octopus EV Scheme – access to salary sacrifice electric vehicle leasing

Free meals on shift and staff discount

Career development opportunities

Beautiful riverside working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen.
• Passionate about food with a strong seasonal and local ingredient focus.
• Confident managing varied service types, from à la carte to outdoor events.

Responsibilities

• Designing and delivering seasonal menus for the restaurant and bar.
• Leading the kitchen team in service, prep, and performance.
• Managing stock, suppliers, budgets, and food hygiene compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Financial Management

Job description

Head Chef – The Hope & Anchor, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7BU

Lead the Kitchen | Shape the Vision | Deliver Exceptional Food Experiences

Are you a creative, motivated Head Chef ready to take full ownership of a thriving food operation in one of Herefordshire’s most picturesque riverside pubs? The Hope & Anchor in Ross-on-Wye is looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen and drive an exciting, diverse food offering.

About Us

The Hope & Anchor is a well-loved pub and inn perched on the banks of the River Wye. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful setting, and fresh seasonal food, we’re a destination for locals, tourists, event guests, and pop-up diners alike. Our offering goes beyond traditional pub fare—we host everything from riverside BBQs and outdoor pop-ups to private celebrations and bespoke events.

The Role

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for the complete food operation. This is your kitchen to lead, shape, and grow. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and delivering seasonal menus for the restaurant and bar
• Leading the kitchen team in service, prep, and performance
• Overseeing all outside catering, pop-up food concepts, and private events
• Developing cost-effective dishes without compromising on quality
• Recruiting, training, and inspiring a professional kitchen team
• Managing stock, suppliers, budgets, and food hygiene compliance
• Driving food consistency, innovation, and profitability

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen
• Passionate about food with a strong seasonal and local ingredient focus
• Comfortable balancing creativity with kitchen systems and structure
• Confident managing varied service types, from à la carte to outdoor events
• Strong leadership skills with a hands-on, collaborative approach
• Financially astute, able to manage margins, waste, and stock

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Full ownership of the food offer across multiple revenue streams
• Wagestream – access your earnings when you need them + financial coaching
• Tipjar – equal share of all tips received
• Octopus EV Scheme – access to salary sacrifice electric vehicle leasing
• Free meals on shift and staff discount
• Career development opportunities within an ambitious and growing business
• Beautiful riverside working environment

The Hope & Anchor is a beautiful riverside pub, restaurant & inn nestled in the heart of Ross-On-Wye with multiple dining options for customers including a traditional pub bar and a modern cocktail bar, two restaurants, a riverside hut serving those on the go, and a spacious garden with outdoor seating including a Bandstand and all-weather tent area, both of which can house entertainment. We also have 12 beautiful recently refurbished riverside en-suite rooms available, with breakfast included and served in the pub.

Having joined the Country House Weddings portfolio in 2020, we are backed by over 30 years of experience when it comes to catering, customer service, and event planning and management. Giving our customers the peace of mind that they will be well looked after during their time with us.

Our fantastic team is made up of expert chefs, enthusiastic bar and wait staff, experienced managers, and dedicated housekeepers, all of which provide the best service day in and day out across all areas of our venue.