Head Chef

The Calleva Arms; Reading; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share of gratuities

Free on site parking

Job summary

The Calleva Arms in Reading is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a passionate kitchen team and deliver high-quality seasonal gastro pub cuisine.

You will manage a busy service from breakfast to dinner, develop menus with seasonal ingredients, oversee stock and costing, and work closely with front-of-house to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Comfortable running a busy kitchen under pressure.
• Strong GP and costing knowledge with margin focus.
• Manages stock ordering, prep planning, and wastage.
• Collaborates with front of house for seamless service.
• Passionate about fresh, flavour-led gastro pub food.
• Leads a team with positivity and respect.
• Experience with buffets and events; manage dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a busy kitchen and deliver high-quality gastro pub food.
• Develop and evolve menus with seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee service across breakfast to dinner and events.
• Control stock, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with front of house for smooth service.

Skills

Team leadership

Stock management

Costing knowledge

Menu development

Job 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 Calleva Arms

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