Chef

We are looking for a passionate and reliable Chef to join our kitchen team as we prepare to open our new business in the Cotswolds at the beginning of February.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team from the outset and play a part in establishing the kitchen, food offering and working standards as the business develops. We are looking for someone with previous professional kitchen experience and a genuine interest in good food, quality ingredients and modern Cotswold dining.

This is a key weekend position, working closely alongside our midweek Chef and the wider Front of House team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, works well as part of a team and is comfortable taking responsibility for the smooth running of the kitchen during their shifts.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their role over time, with gradually increasing responsibility and menu influence. We want someone who can bring their own ideas to the table while working within the overall style and identity of the pub.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and presenting consistently high-quality dishes to a professional standard.
• Working closely with the midweek Chef to ensure consistency across the kitchen and menus.
• Developing a strong working relationship with Front of House, maintaining a professional, respectful and supportive environment.
• Contributing ideas and gradually developing menu influence, with an awareness of current food trends and the evolving Cotswold dining scene.
• Supervising the day-to-day operation of the kitchen during weekend service.
• Supporting and mentoring younger members of the kitchen team, including Kitchen Porters and Apprentice Chefs, helping them develop practical skills, confidence and good working habits.
• Leading by example and fostering a positive, productive and respectful team environment.
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen organisation.
• Ensuring proper food storage, preparation, sanitation and temperature-control procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintaining the pub's 5-star food hygiene rating and ensuring continued compliance with all relevant food safety and health regulations.
• Assisting with stock control, inventory management and ordering.
• Monitoring food quality, portion control and waste.
• Working efficiently during busy services while maintaining attention to detail and presentation.
• Supporting the wider team where required to ensure the smooth running of the pub.

The Person

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in a professional kitchen, or able to demonstrate strong practical kitchen skills.
• Reliable, organised and able to work independently when required.
• Flexible and willing to support the wider team when needed.
• Passionate about quality food and interested in keeping up with current food trends.
• Professional and respectful in their approach to colleagues and Front of House.
• Comfortable working in a busy service environment.
• Confident enough to take responsibility while being willing to learn and work collaboratively.
• Interested in developing their role and having a genuine influence on the kitchen over time.
• Keen to help develop younger members of the team through practical mentoring and teaching.

Working Pattern

The core requirement is Friday to Sunday for approximately three weekends per month.

We are looking for someone with a degree of flexibility who can occasionally provide additional cover or support when required. There may also be opportunities to take on further responsibility and hours as the role develops.

Joining at the Start of Something New

The business is due to open at the beginning of February, so this role offers the opportunity to join the team during an important stage of its development.

You will have the chance to help establish kitchen routines, standards and culture from day one, working alongside the midweek Chef and wider management team. As the business becomes established, there will be scope for the successful candidate to take on additional responsibility and greater involvement in menu development and the running of the kitchen.

We are looking for someone who wants to grow with the business rather than simply fill a set of weekend shifts.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to become an important part of a new kitchen team within a traditional Cotswold pub.

You will work alongside an established midweek Chef, with the opportunity to contribute ideas, develop menus and help shape the kitchen while also playing an important role in training and developing younger members of the team.

For the right person, this role has the potential to develop significantly as the business grows.

Pay: £13.00-£17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 – 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexible schedule
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person