Head Chef

The Greyhound is one of the best-known pubs in the stunning Cromford and Matlock area and is currently undergoing a major refurbishment ahead of an exciting reopening in October 2026.

Combining a historic 18th century pub and restaurant with a nine-bedroom boutique hotel, The Greyhound is entering an entirely new chapter and we are looking for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to lead the kitchen and play a major part in establishing its food reputation.

This is an opportunity to join before reopening, build your kitchen team and help shape the food operation from the beginning.

The Food

Our focus will be on high-quality British food with a strong seasonal and Derbyshire influence.

We want to work closely with local suppliers, using Derbyshire meat and produce wherever possible, alongside sustainable fish, local cheeses and seasonal vegetables.

The emphasis will be on excellent ingredients, proper cooking and consistency rather than unnecessary complication.

The food operation will include:

• Breakfast for hotel residents and non-residents
• Lunch and dinner seven days a week
• A strong pub and restaurant menu
• Bar snacks
• Weekend dining
• A Sunday roast offer that we want The Greyhound to become particularly well known for

Quality will come before volume, particularly during the opening period while the kitchen team establishes its systems and standards.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will have overall responsibility for the kitchen and food operation.

You will work closely with the owner/General Manager while having genuine ownership of the kitchen, including:

• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
• Helping recruit and build the opening brigade
• Menu development and seasonal menu changes
• Maintaining consistently high standards of food quality and presentation
• Leading service and running the pass
• Food ordering, stock management and supplier relationships
• Managing food GP, portion control and wastage
• Developing recipes, specifications and kitchen standards
• Creating effective kitchen rotas
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
• HACCP and kitchen compliance
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and organisation
• Managing equipment and reporting maintenance issues
• Training and developing chefs throughout the brigade
• Working closely with the front-of-house management team to deliver a great overall guest experience

About You

We are looking for a Head Chef who combines strong cooking ability with leadership and commercial awareness.

You should:

• Have experience leading a professional kitchen or be an experienced Sous Chef ready to step up
• Have a genuine passion for quality British food and seasonal ingredients
• Be confident leading and developing a kitchen team
• Have strong organisational skills
• Understand food GP, stock control, purchasing and wastage
• Be able to maintain consistency during busy services
• Have high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
• Be calm, organised and professional under pressure
• Enjoy developing younger and less experienced chefs
• Take genuine pride in the food leaving your kitchen

Most importantly, we want someone who wants to take ownership of the food operation and build something they can be proud of.

Why Join The Greyhound?

This is not simply taking over an existing kitchen.

You will be joining one of the area's best-known pubs following a major refurbishment and will be part of the opening management team from the beginning.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the menu, recruit your team, establish kitchen systems and standards, build supplier relationships and influence the direction of the food operation.

We want The Greyhound to develop a strong reputation for food locally and with visitors to Derbyshire, and the Head Chef will be central to achieving that.

Pay: £42,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person