Head Chef

Young's; Richmond; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known pub group is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a destination pub in Richmond. You will have the autonomy to create distinctive menus and drive food sales while maintaining high standards of quality. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, a passion for seasonal produce, and the ability to develop innovative dishes. The role includes collaboration with the General Manager and management of the kitchen team. A supportive environment encourages culinary creativity and professional growth.

Benefits

Creative freedom to design menus

Apprenticeship and development programs

Culinary masterclasses access

20% discount in all pubs

Free meals on duty

28 days' holiday

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in food-led pubs or restaurants.
• Ability to articulate and execute a clear food vision.
• Strong understanding of margins and menu performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and create a unique food vision.
• Design distinctive menus to attract customers.
• Recruit and train kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Food safety compliance

Seasonal cooking

Communication

Job description

Head Chef

The Lass O’ Richmond Hill

The Lass O’ Richmond Hill is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our destination pub on the edge of Richmond Park. This is a senior role for a chef with a clear food vision — someone capable of creating an offer that attracts guests from further afield and strengthens our reputation as a place worth travelling to.

You will take full ownership of the kitchen, including recruitment, menu design, and driving food sales alongside the General Manager. Central to the role is the ability to create distinctive menus and set offers that build a strong lunch trade, encourage repeat visits, and establish food as a primary reason to choose the pub.

You will work closely with the General Manager, Chris, who is knowledgeable about food and passionate about supporting the kitchen. This partnership is designed to push standards, challenge ideas constructively, and help the business reach new heights together.

The Role

• Full responsibility for the food direction of the business, with a strong seasonal and British focus
• ColaboratiDeveloping and delivering a clear food vision that attracts customers from beyond the local area
• Creating unique set menus and lunch offers that grow daytime and midweek trade
• Recruitment, training, and leadership of the kitchen team
• Ownership of food GP, stock control, and ordering
• Collaborative work with the General Manager to drive sales and expand the pub’s food reputation
• Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, safety, and compliance
• Championing sustainability, waste reduction, and thoughtful sourcing

About You

• An experienced Head Chef with a strong background in food-led pubs or restaurants
• Confident articulating and executing a clear food vision
• Comfortable running a kitchen autonomously while working collaboratively
• Commercially minded, with strong understanding of margins and menu performance
• Passionate about seasonal produce and thoughtful, exciting cookingl
• Passionate about seasonal produce and thoughtful, exciting cooking

If you are an established Head Chef looking for autonomy, challenge, and a supportive partnership that will push you to achieve more, we would love to hear from you.

Why join Young’s?

At Young’s, every pub has its own identity — and every Head Chef their own creative stamp. You’ll have full autonomy to write menus that bring your food vision to life, supported by top‑class ingredients and training opportunities.

We offer:

• Creative freedom to design your own menus and specials.
• Apprenticeship and Development programmes to support your growth.
• Access to culinary masterclasses (Game, Butchery, Shellfish and more).
• Food trips with premium suppliers and regular Head Chef forums.
• 20% discount in all Young’s pubs and 30% off overnight stays in Pubs with Rooms.
• Share Save Scheme & Enhanced Company Pension Scheme.
• Free meals on duty & 28 days’ holiday.
• On‑site car park for staff, making commuting easier.

What we’re looking for

• A proven leader with experience as a Head Chef
• A hands‑on, inspiring manager with a passion for team development.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with a focus on GP, labour, and growth.
• A creative chef with the ability to design and deliver innovative dishes.
• A proactive approach and excellent communication skills.