Head Chef - Premium Pub

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

Benefits offered by this job

5-day week

Tips and profit share

Pension

Health cover

Discounts

Job summary

Hall & Woodhouse Limited’s Jolly Sailor in Hamble is looking for a Head Chef to lead a high-energy, brand-spec kitchen and inspire a skilled team through busy service, maintaining quality, consistency and compliance with food safety and allergen controls.

You’ll enjoy a 5-day week with consistent hours, a package around £43K plus tips, plus profit share and a broad benefits scheme (pension, health cover, discounts).

Qualifications

• Highly organized Head Chef with experience delivering high-quality fayre to brand specifications.
• Ability to lead a high-performing kitchen team in a fast-paced pub/restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team at The Jolly Sailor.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality fayre in line with brand specs.
• Oversee food safety, allergen controls, and kitchen compliance.

Skills

Head Chef

Team Leadership

Food Safety

Allergen Management

Kitchen Administration

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.

Hamble Waterfront - Celebrity Pub

The Jolly Sailor is known to have existed as a pub since as early as 1751 and joined the Hall & Woodhouse family in 1987. Set in a stunning location, adjacent to Elephant Boatyard and at the heart of "Howard's Way" the hugely popular late 1980s BBC drama series, the pub offers unrivalled views across Hamble Marina. With an individually crafted changing menu, a unique quirky setting and fabulous interior - guests simply love this awesome venue.

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 £43K, depending on level of development in the role 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?