Head Chef - Cotswolds, Recently Reopened Premium Country Pub

Host Staffing are recruiting an ambitious and hands-on Head Chef for a beautiful, recently reopened country pub in the Cotswolds. Following a major investment and reopening, this is a fantastic opportunity for a chef to take ownership of the kitchen, develop the food identity and build on the foundations already in place.

The food is modern British country pub cooking, centred around seasonal and locally sourced produce, comforting classics and lighter seasonal dishes, with fire cooking playing a key role through a Josper oven. Open from breakfast through to dinner, the operation moves from a relaxed daytime café feel into a premium pub and dining offer, all within a beautifully restored setting with exceptional views.

THE ROLE

You will take full ownership of the kitchen, leading a team of around 8–12 chefs and ensuring consistently high standards across food, service and kitchen operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on the pass, developing chefs and creating a calm, organised and ego-free kitchen environment.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Leading, training and developing the kitchen team. Developing seasonal menus and daily specials. Driving a strong fire-cooking offer. Maintaining excellent food quality and consistency. Managing GP, labour, stock and kitchen P&L. Developing efficient prep, ordering and service systems. Maintaining food safety, HACCP and compliance standards. Working closely with the GM to drive the overall success of the business.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a Head Chef, or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, with experience in premium pubs, high-end casual dining or a similar quality-led environment.

YOU WILL IDEALLY BE

Creative and ingredient-led, with a passion for seasonal cooking. Commercially aware and confident with GP and menu costing. An experienced team builder who leads by example. Calm, organised and professional under pressure. Hands-on and happy to work any section where required. Passionate about fire cooking and quality produce. Comfortable managing a busy kitchen and high-volume service. Ambitious and interested in growing with the group.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exciting opportunity to join at an important stage of the site's development and put your own stamp on the kitchen as it establishes itself following its reopening. You will have genuine creative input, ownership of the kitchen and the opportunity to develop the team and food offer. As the group grows, there is also a clear pathway towards multi-site responsibility.

PACKAGE

Competitive salary dependent on experience, with OTE including service of £55,000–£60,000. Performance-related bonus linked to GP, labour and guest satisfaction. Genuine creative input and autonomy. Career progression into multi-site leadership. Team meals, discounts and development opportunities. Recently reopened site with significant investment behind it.

Both ends of the range above include service; the advert does not state a separate basic salary.