Head Chef

The Oak Inn; Lyndhurst; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of gratuities

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Oak Inn in Lyndhurst is seeking a confident Head Chef to lead a passionate kitchen team in a thriving gastro pub. You will drive a fresh, seasonal à la carte approach and oversee service from breakfast to themed evenings, private functions and buffets.

We value strong GP and costing know-how, stock planning, and close collaboration with front of house to ensure superb, consistent results. A positive, respectful leadership style and a love for high-quality, flavour-led food are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with buffets, sit-down events and managing dietary requirements is a must.
• Comfortable running a busy kitchen and thriving under pressure.
• Strong GP and costing knowledge with a sharp eye on margins.
• Can manage stock ordering, prep planning and minimise wastage.
• Works collaboratively with front of house for seamless service.
• Passionate about fresh, flavour-led gastro-style pub food and leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a busy kitchen and manage daily operations.
• Coordinate with front of house to ensure seamless service.
• Oversee stock ordering, prep planning and waste reduction.
• Plan seasonal menus and oversee menu development.
• Manage private events, buffets and themed evenings.

Skills

Leadership

Stock management

Front of house collaboration

GP and costing knowledge

Fresh gastro pub food

Job description

Description

Are you ready to lead a passionate kitchen team in a thriving gastro pub? T

We’re a warm and welcoming village pub known for our consistently great food, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly team. From a fresh, seasonal à la carte offering to themed evenings and special event menus, we take pride in delivering delicious dishes that our guests love to return for.

Head Chef – The Oak Inn

What We Offer:

• A bustling kitchen environment with a supportive, close-knit team

• Creative freedom to influence and evolve the menu

• Opportunities to work on a wide variety of services – from breakfast to Sunday roasts, pizza and tapas nights to set menus for private functions and buffets

• A focus on quality, mostly fresh food, with attention to seasonal ingredients and flavour

• A share of gratuities

• Free on site parking

About You:

We’re looking for a confident and experienced Head Chef who:

• Is comfortable running a busy kitchen and thrives under pressure

• Has strong GP and costing knowledge with a sharp eye on margins

• Can manage stock ordering, prep planning, and minimise wastage

• Works collaboratively with the front of house to ensure seamless service

• Is passionate about fresh, flavour-led, gastro-style pub food

• Enjoys leading a team with positivity, good humour and respect

Experience with buffets, sit-down events and managing dietary requirements is a must – our calendar contains bookings for private events, corporate functions, and fun community nights!

Typical Service Times:

• Lunch: 12pm–3:00pm (3.:30pm on Saturday)

• Dinner: 5pm–8:30pm

• Themed Nights & Events throughout the month

Interested

If you're ready to lead a kitchen that puts pride in people, produce, and pub classics done well, we’d love to hear from you.

Compensation: Competitive salary