Head Chef - Fresh Food Gastro Pub

COREcruitment; Ashford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A gastro pub group in Ashford is seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen and manage menu planning, preparation, and service. The ideal candidate will have experience in fresh food pubs, strong leadership skills, and good financial awareness. This role offers a salary of £36,000 to £38,000 plus tronc and bonus potential. Live-in arrangements are available for the right candidate, making it an attractive position for those wishing to make a significant impact on seasonal menus.

Benefits

Bonus potential

Real input on menus

Progression across multiple sites

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Background in managing fresh food pubs or restaurants.
• Ability to work with seasonal British produce.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and manage menu planning, prep, and service.
• Cook fresh, seasonal food to a consistent standard.
• Recruit, train, and support kitchen team members.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Strong people leadership

Good financial awareness

Job description

Head Chef – Fresh Food Gastro Pub – Ashford – live-in potential

Our client runs a group of countryside gastro pubs across Kent and Sussex. Each site has its own feel, but the focus stays the same. Fresh produce. Strong local suppliers. Seasonal menus that change through the year. Guests come for relaxed meals, Sunday lunches, pizzas from wood-fired ovens and dishes cooked with care. Cozy rooms and lively gardens. You join a company that backs its chefs, values teamwork and takes pride in real hospitality.

About the role

• You lead the kitchen as Head Chef
• You own menu planning, prep and service
• You cook fresh, seasonal food to a consistent standard
• You recruit, train and support your team
• You manage GP, stock, ordering and hygiene
• You work closely with the management team on service and standards
• Live-in potential available

The offer

• Salary £36,000 to £38,000
• Tronc around £7,000
• Bonus potential up to £7,500
• Real input on menus
• Progression across multiple sites

Your background

• Head Chef experience or Senior Sous ready to step up
• Background in fresh food pubs or restaurants
• Strong people leadership
• Good financial awareness in the kitchen
• Enjoy working with seasonal British produce

Apply today.