Head Chef of Gastro Pub and Kitchen Production

Brilliant Gastro by Dipna Anand; Southall; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a brand-new Indian gastro pub in South London. This role offers the unique chance to collaborate with a renowned celebrity chef in crafting innovative dishes that blend traditional Indian flavors with classic British pub cuisine. As the Head Chef, you will manage kitchen operations, develop creative menus, and uphold the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. Join a dynamic team in a state-of-the-art kitchen and play a pivotal role in shaping a new culinary destination that celebrates the fusion of cultures. If you are passionate about food and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Mentorship from Celebrity Chef

Dynamic Team Environment

Opportunities for Growth

State-of-the-Art Kitchen Facility

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
• Expertise in Indian cuisine and modern cooking techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen brigade to maintain high food quality standards.
• Oversee menu development and ensure timely execution of production orders.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Menu Development

Indian Cuisine Expertise

Food Safety Knowledge

Budget Management

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

Tools

Kitchen Management Software

Job description

An Unmissable Opportunity to Work Alongside Celebrity Chef Dipna Anand

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our brand-new Indian gastro pub, located in the exciting new Parkside Yards development in South London. This isn’t just any head chef role – this is your chance to work in partnership with renowned celebrity chef Dipna Anand, who will be leading the creative direction of this concept. Together, you’ll be at the forefront of a revolutionary take on modern Indian cuisine with a gastro pub twist.

The venue will blend the bold flavours of traditional and modern Indian food with the comforting classics of a British pub menu. Expect to create and innovate dishes like Chicken Tikka Arancini, Sunday Indian Roasts, Indo-Continental fusion dishes, and show-stopping biryanis — all under the guidance and inspiration of Dipna herself.

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you will be fully in charge of the kitchen operation, including both the gastro pub and our onsite production kitchen, which supports large-scale catering and events. Your main duties will include:

Kitchen Leadership & Brigade Management

1. Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen brigade to consistently deliver high standards of food quality and presentation.
2. Maintain a motivated team, fostering a positive kitchen culture focused on creativity, consistency, and collaboration.
3. Manage rotas, staff scheduling, and cover planning to ensure efficient operation throughout the week.
4. Recruit, onboard and develop kitchen staff in line with business needs.

Menu Development & Innovation

1. Work closely with Chef Dipna Anand to develop and refine the main menu, specials, and seasonal offerings.
2. Contribute your own creative flair by designing weekly and monthly specials, showcasing modern Indian, Indo-fusion, and continental flavours.
3. Ensure all menu items are accurately costed, tested, and standardised with clear recipe specifications and plating guidelines.

Production Kitchen Oversight

1. Manage and oversee a busy production kitchen that caters for large-scale events, corporate orders, and Compass Group operations.
2. Organise workflow, production schedules, and food list planning to meet the demands of volume catering without compromising on quality.
3. Ensure timely execution and delivery of all production orders, maintaining taste and consistency at scale.

Operational & Administrative Duties

1. Monitor and maintain stock levels, conduct weekly stock takes, manage suppliers and ordering schedules.
2. Maintain food cost control, minimise wastage, and work within pre-agreed GP margins.
3. Create and maintain detailed food specs, recipe cards, and allergen sheets in line with company and legal requirements.
4. Manage kitchen budget, working closely with management on food spend and revenue targets.

Food Safety & Hygiene

1. Ensure the kitchen operates to 5-star hygiene standards at all times.
2. Uphold and enforce all food safety, HACCP, allergen, and COSHH regulations.
3. Maintain impeccable cleaning schedules and records across both the gastro kitchen and the production unit.
4. Lead by example in maintaining a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment.

Plating & Presentation

1. Oversee plating techniques and final dish presentation to ensure consistent and visually appealing food leaves the pass every time.
2. Train junior chefs and kitchen team on plating styles, taste checks, and finishing touches.

Candidate Profile – What We’re Looking For

1. A passionate, creative, and organised chef with a proven track record of running successful kitchens.
2. Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role.
3. Expert in Indian cuisine, with solid grounding in both regional classics and modern Indian cookery techniques.
4. Experience in continental and gastro-style cuisine, ideally within a fusion or modern dining setting.
5. Proven experience managing a high-volume kitchen, including overseeing a production/catering unit.
6. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a team, motivate staff, and maintain a positive work culture.
7. Up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene regulations, allergen handling, and kitchen health & safety protocols.
8. Confident in stock control, budgeting, recipe creation, menu planning, and supplier management.

Why Join Us?

1. Be mentored by Chef Dipna Anand, one of the UK’s leading voices in Indian cuisine.
2. Play a foundational role in a new, high-profile venue in a thriving development.
3. Collaborate on exciting food concepts blending Indian and British cuisines in fresh and innovative ways.
4. Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
5. Work in a state-of-the-art kitchen facility, including a production kitchen with large-scale catering opportunities.