Head Chef - Premium Pub

Hall & Woodhouse Limited; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health cover

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Job summary

Hall & Woodhouse Limited in Dorset is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead a high‑performing kitchen at Perfect Plough near Southampton. You will work to brand specifications, overseeing a team and maintaining the highest standards of fayre.

The role offers a real work–life balance with a 5‑day week, a salary up to £43K plus tips, and a profit‑share scheme. Comprehensive benefits include pension, health cover, and career progression within a sustainability‑driven, people‑first company.

Qualifications

• Head Chef with high-volume pub kitchen experience.
• Experience delivering to central brand specs.
• Strong in food safety and allergen management.
• Organized leader with ability to manage a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing kitchen team to central specifications.
• Deliver high-quality fayre to brand specs.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and allergen management.
• Manage kitchen administration and precise cooking/presentation.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Food safety

Allergen management

Time management

Job description

£43K + Tips + Profit Share + Benefits + 5 days working .....

About Hall & Woodhouse

Hall & Woodhouse is the Dorset based brewer that owns over 150 high end pub restaurants and inns throughout the South of England. Founded in 1777 we are a family owned company that blends the best traditional values with a progressive and inclusive approach to business. H&W holds a Sponsor License and could consider applications from Head Chefs already in the UK working under SOC 5434.

Perfect Plough - Close to Southampton

Part of the Hall & Woodhouse family of exceptional pubs at the heart of the community, the Plough is situated on the edge of Bursledon surrounded by farmland but close to the city. Inspired by astronomy, the pub takes its name from the Plough star constellation, which (at night) lights up in the wall adjacent to the main entrance. With a beautiful garden and children’s play area, the pub is ideal for those long hot summers and when the nights start to draw in, the roaring log fire and cosy interior really come into their own

Head Chef – Join a Sunday Times Best Place to Work

Looking for your next big step in a kitchen that’s full of energy, passion, and purpose?

We’re searching for a Head Chef comfortable in working to brand spec's to lead a high‑performing team at one of the area's best venues.

Why you’ll love working with us:

• Real work–life balance with a 5‑day week, consistent hours, and excellent working conditions.
• Great package of up to £43K salary, plus a share of tips.
• Profit share scheme and bonus – when the business thrives, so do you.
• Comprehensive lifestyle benefits, including pension, health cover, wellbeing support, discounts, and more.
• A vibrant, supportive team in a business driven by sustainability and an authentic people-first culture.
• Job security and clear career progression, backed by an award‑winning employer.
• All the support you need to succeed – we set you up to lead with confidence.

You’ll thrive here if you’re:

• A highly organized, skilled Head Chef with experience delivering high-quality fayre to central spec's
• Someone who enjoys the buzz and spotlight of a fast‑paced, prestige kitchen.
• A chef who truly cares – motivated, passionate, and committed to excellence.
• An expert in food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
• Calm, dependable, and resilient under pressure, with a solutions‑first mindset.
• Strong in kitchen admin and happy in following precise cooking and presentation specifications.
• A positive, inspirational leader who builds, motivates, and supports diverse teams.
• Diligent about compliance and sustainability.
• Able to reliably manage the commute and flexible to work days, evenings, and weekends.
• Keen to join an employer that recognizes and rewards dedication and talent.

Previous experience as head of managed pub kitchen is a big advantage.

Ready to Lead?

If you’re a hands‑on Head Chef with the skills, drive, and temperament to deliver consistent top‑quality dishes under time and volume pressure, we’d love to hear from you.