Head Chef - Live In

The Inn Collection Group; Ambleside; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague accommodation

Visa sponsorship available

Job summary

The Inn Collection Group is seeking a Head Chef for its Ambleside Inn, in the Lake District. You will lead a busy kitchen, inspire a team, and drive exceptional dining experiences for guests.

You will be responsible for menu development, cost control, and consistent high-quality food, with a focus on creating memorable guest experiences in a role that combines creativity and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a professional kitchen.
• Proven ability to develop menus and maintain high standards.
• Strong leadership under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Ensure consistent preparation and presentation of all menu items.
• Manage supplier relationships and orders to meet budgets.
• Monitor food costs and waste to meet financial targets.
• Create a positive and motivating work environment for kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Menu development

Team management

Cost control

Job description

What makes the perfect pub? It’s great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that’s at the heart of everything we do.

The Inn Collection Group is a multi-award-winning pubs with rooms company, proudly located in some of the most outstanding destinations across the North of England and Wales. At ICG, we deliver exceptional hospitality by living and breathing our core values of respect, customer focused, warmth, and honesty, all with the goal of Making People Happy.

How we say thank you!

• Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
• Build your future with support from our Lead-Inn development program.
• Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
• Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns
• Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just £1.
• Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
• Experience a spontaneous trip away with £50 on same day bookings
• It’s not just for you—your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
• 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme
• Tronc (…that’s tips to me and you)
• Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give-inn back scheme
• Join an award-winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

The Ambleside Inn is set against a backdrop of breath-taking fell views and scenic walking routes, making it the perfect base to explore the beauty of the Lake District. Surrounded by nature's tranquillity and with easy access to some of the area's most picturesque trails, it’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the stunning landscape.

You’ll Fit Right Inn

When guests walk through the doors of our Inn, the experience truly begins in the kitchen. As Head Chef, you set the standard, bringing your creativity, skill, and dedication to every dish that leaves your team’s hands. From ensuring every meal is professionally prepared to perfection, your passion for culinary excellence makes our Inns not only a delight to dine at but also an inspiring place to work.

Being a Head Chef is challenging and requires hard work, but your leadership is key to creating exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on quality, freshness, and presentation, you lead a talented kitchen team to consistently deliver exceptional food that keeps guests coming back.

In addition to leading the team, you’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen’s daily operations, ensuring smooth running, managing orders with nominated suppliers, and meeting financial targets. Your ability to stay calm under pressure and efficiently achieve budgeted costs for food, wastage, and wages ensures everything runs to perfection.

If you’re dedicated, passionate and love working in a fast-paced environment, we think you’ll fit right inn…

ICG supported Tristan's development, enabling him to grow from Chef de Partie into the role of Head Chef.

This role comes with the added benefit of colleague accommodation.

We welcome applications from Skilled Worker visa holders and can transfer Certificates of Sponsorship.