Head Chef

Star Pubs Recruitment Support; Reigate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking an ambitious Head Chef for a new pub in the Surrey Hills. The role offers £40,000 to £55,000 salary with live-in options. Ideal candidates should be passionate about food and eager to lead a new kitchen team. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of Surrey's best dining pubs while maintaining a collaborative and respectful environment.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation options

Career-defining opportunity

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Excited by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
• Cares deeply about ingredients, provenance, and seasonality.
• Wants to lead in a respectful, calm, and professional kitchen.
• Excellent kitchen experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen of a new pub.
• Shape the menu and build relationships with suppliers.
• Create a calm and collaborative kitchen environment.
• Build and lead a new kitchen team.

Skills

Ambition

Leadership

Strong cooking ability

Technical skill

Job description

Head Chef – Exciting New Pub Kitchen Opening in the Surrey Hills

Salary: £40,000 – £55,000 + TRUNC | Live-in or Live-out Options Available

We’re looking for an ambitious and energetic Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a beloved country pub near Reigate in the Surrey Hills about to begin an exciting new chapter. This role does not require prior head chef experience, it is ideal for someone (perhaps who has worked as a sous chef) with the drive, vision, and leadership skills to help shape a brand-new kitchen and make their mark.

Our vision is to become one of the best food pubs in Surrey, delivering seasonal, ingredient-led British food that is accessible, generous, and rooted in outstanding produce. This is not fine dining or super experimental gastronomy; it is about brilliant cooking, hospitality, and consistency at the highest level.

Why this role?

• Shape the menu and suppliers: you’ll have the opportunity to help co‑build the menu and collaboratively shape the food direction as well as help select and build relationships with outstanding producers.
• Respect at the core: the kitchen is suitable for someone who wants to work in a calm, professional, and supportive environment. Collaboration and respect will be at the forefront.
• Career‑defining opportunity: this role is perfect for an ambitious chef ready to step up into this head chef role. Strong cooking ability, kitchen experience and technical skill are essential, but a specific number of years is not. What matters most is the right attitude, drive, and ambition to succeed.
• Help build a new team: the opening kitchen team will begin with 2 chefs with support of KPs/commis, providing the chance to shape the culture from day one. A sous chef position is also available for those at the right level.
• Pay and accommodation: £40–55k salary (live‑out). The role has live‑in options available. Accommodation options include a spacious three‑bed apartment (family‑friendly, but not required) or smaller self‑contained units.
• Couples welcome: front of house opportunities are also available, making this a fantastic move for a couple.

Location – set in a picturesque village in the Surrey Hills countryside. It’s also a short drive from several stations that reach central London in 30-50 minutes.

About you

The role does not demand a set number of years’ experience or a particular background. What matters most is attitude, ambition, and passion for great food. Success will come naturally to someone who:

• Is excited by the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
• Cares deeply about ingredients, provenance, and seasonality.
• Wants to lead in a respectful, calm, and professional kitchen.
• Has excellent kitchen experience, strong cooking ability and technical skill.

This is a rare chance to put a personal stamp on a pub with serious ambition and an opportunity to shape one of Surrey’s best dining pubs from day one.