Head Chef

Zazu's Pubs are looking for an experienced new head chef to join their team at the Alma Tavern & Theatre!

The Alma Tavern & Theatre is a well established community pub in Clifton, with 9 years under the Zazu's family of pubs. Our menu focusses on elevated pub classics with seasonal dishes and nightly specials and is enjoyed by our wonderful regulars and visitors to our theatre and 5 hotel rooms. Our Sunday roast is especially loved amongst those in the know!

As well as providing excellent food on a nightly basis, we host regular private weddings with bespoke 3-course and buffet menus.

The Alma kitchen is open 5 nights a week (plus 1 night pizza only) and 4 lunches a week including Sunday roasts - a schedule allowing for a very good work/life balance and set days if required.

We require candidates to have a minimum of 2 years experience in a similar level position working with fresh food, the ability to work on your own initiative, to maintain company standards and manage a kitchen team well. Successful candidates will be invited to interview and kitchen trial.

Hire Timeline

We are looking to hire a new head chef to start in January 2027. Some crossover with the current HC will be required for training purposes, and availability in December is a plus.

Job Requirements

• Demonstrate excellent kitchen and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail
• Work with a small team with the desire to motivate, teach and support progression, promoting good working relationships between team members to create a happy working environment
• Confidence in interviewing, hiring and training all new kitchen staff as required
• A passion for fresh food and proven ability to cook modern, seasonal pub food is essential. Inspiration to add new and current dishes to the menu in line with the pub’s style
• A good knowledge of seasonal produce is desired, creativity to create daily/weekly specials. Understanding the customers needs and being able to adapt with trends
• Building on current trade levels whilst maintaining company standards and expectations will be required
• Maintaining food GPs across all aspects of the food side of the business is essential. Managing staffing costs, experience in writing rotas, aiming to achieve the weekly KPIs

Health and Safety

• Understanding and proven experience in managing all levels of H&S compliance within a kitchen (training will be provided on the use of our system). Confidence to lead by example and train staff to follow all health and safety requirements
• Level 3 Food Safety certificate desirable - Level 2 Food Safety certificate is a must
• First Aid Level 3/Emergency First Aid at Work desirable
• Good office and admin organisational skills would be an added bonus!

In return, we’re offering:

• A great place to work with an experienced management team
• A competitive rate of pay plus performance based bonus scheme of up to 4k per year
• Company-wide Discount Scheme across 5 pubs
• Transferrable FSA recognised qualifications in Food Safety and Health and Safety
• Company progression opportunities within independent group
• This role is offered on a full-time contract of 45 hrs/week

This really is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to put their stamp on a well-loved kitchen, with scope to bring in new ideas and a good balance of fast paced service vs time to really enjoy your job. Please send your cover letter ad CV; we hope you understand we only reply to successful applicants. We thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Pay: From £33,750.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Application question(s):

• Are you able to reliably commute to Clifton (BS8 2HY)? Please note we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Experience:

• Chef: 4 years (required)
• Head Chef: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)

Work Location: In person