Head Chef - Live In

The Swan Inn; Grasmere; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra paid holiday on your birthday

Lead-Inn development program

Paid Breaks

50% off food at inns

£1 stays Jan–Mar

Job summary

The Swan Inn in Grasmere, a characterful Lake District pub, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen with creativity and rigor.

You will oversee daily kitchen operations, manage orders with suppliers, and drive food quality while hitting budget targets. Join a supportive, award-winning team and help deliver memorable dining experiences to guests staying or visiting the Lake District.

This is a hands-on, high-pressure role that rewards excellence and leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or in a leading kitchen role.
• Strong leadership in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Ability to manage budgets and food costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes.
• Manage orders with nominated suppliers and oversee stock.
• Drive food quality, presentation, and consistency across all services.
• Meet financial targets and control costs without compromising standards.

Skills

Head Chef responsibilities

Team leadership

Budgeting costs

Supplier management

Quality food preparation

Job description

What makes the perfect pub? It's great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that is 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.

• 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 Swan is tucked beneath the dramatic fells surrounding the picturesque village of Grasmere in the Lake District. Steeped in history, this charming inn offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a firm favourite among visitors to the area. With its stunning location and rich heritage, The Swan provides the perfect base to explore Grasmere's natural beauty and the surrounding 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.

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

Compensation: To be discussed