Head Chef

COREcruitment; Norwich; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Performance bonus

~£55k package incl. tronc

Job summary

COREcruitment presents a Head Chef role at a renowned gastro pub in Norfolk. Lead a strong kitchen team, craft seasonal menus using top British ingredients, and nurture relationships with local producers to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The kitchen targets 1-2 AA Rosette standards with a vision to be among the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs. Live-in accommodation is available; a competitive package and performance bonus accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a head chef role or senior sous chef
• Strong menu planning and sourcing from British producers
• Proven ability to train, mentor and develop kitchen teams
• Calm, inspiring leadership with high standards

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the kitchen brigade
• Create seasonal menus showcasing British ingredients
• Build strong supplier relationships and provenance
• Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation
• Drive standards, training and continuous improvement
• Work with owners to reach top UK gastropub status
• Manage food margins, labour costs and kitchen operations

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

British produce

Mentoring

Job description

Head Chef

Location: Norfolk, Countryside

Salary: Circa £55,000 package including tronc, plus performance bonus and Live-in available

Are you a Head Chef who is passionate about British produce, seasonality and cooking with purpose?

We are recruiting for a beautiful destination gastro pub that has built an excellent reputation for quality food, genuine hospitality and an uncompromising approach to sourcing the very best ingredients. This is a rare opportunity to lead a kitchen with serious ambition and play a key role in taking the business to the next level.

The kitchen operates at a strong 1‑2 AA Rosette standard with a clear vision of becoming recognised as one of the UK's Top 50 Gastropubs. Every dish celebrates the best of British produce, working closely with local farmers, growers and suppliers to let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves.

Alongside the restaurant sits an award‑winning artisan bakery, providing outstanding breads and baked goods that form part of the guest experience.

The restaurant serves between 50 and 100 covers, allowing the team to focus on quality, consistency and delivering memorable dining experiences.

What you'll be doing

• Leading, developing and inspiring a talented kitchen brigade.
• Creating seasonal menus that showcase the very best British ingredients.
• Building strong relationships with local suppliers and championing provenance.
• Maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Driving standards, training and continuous improvement throughout the kitchen.
• Working closely with the owners to achieve the long‑term goal of becoming one of the UK's Top 50 Gastropubs.
• Managing food margins, labour costs and kitchen operations without compromising quality.

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or accomplished Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
• A strong background in quality gastro pubs or award‑winning restaurants.
• Classical training with excellent technical cooking skills.
• A genuine passion for British produce, seasonality and provenance.
• Experience working to at least 1 or 2 AA Rosette standard.
• A calm and inspiring leader who enjoys developing people.
• High standards with a creative yet disciplined approach to cooking.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle would be an advantage due to the rural location.

What's on offer

• Package of around £55,000 including tronc.
• Performance‑related bonus.
• Live‑in accommodation available for those relocating.
• The opportunity to lead one of the area's most respected gastro pubs.
• Freedom to work with exceptional seasonal produce.
• Career‑defining opportunity to help establish the business amongst the UK's best gastropubs.
• Supportive ownership team with genuine ambition and investment in quality.

If you're looking for a kitchen where craftsmanship, provenance and exceptional hospitality come first, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.