Head Chef

Head chef, full menu autonomy upto £37,000, Downham Market

This Head Chef opportunity offers something genuinely rare in today's market - full autonomy to shape a kitchen and a menu that reflects your own culinary identity, within a truly community-driven gastro pub where traditional, hearty pub dining is celebrated and respected. With complete menu freedom, seasonal produce at the heart of the offer, and the chance to run the kitchen as if it were your own, this is a role where creativity, ownership and pride in food are genuinely encouraged. The Head Chef position is supported by a stable 40-45 hour working week and a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen, giving you the ideal environment to deliver consistently high-quality dishes without unnecessary pressure or constraint.

As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for designing and evolving a fresh, seasonal menu that reflects classic local pub dining with a refined edge. This is a role that allows you to step into a leadership position where your ideas are not only welcomed but actively sought, giving you the opportunity to shape both the food offering and the kitchen culture. You will be working closely with a community-focused front-of-house team, creating a dining experience that feels welcoming, honest, and consistently well-executed. This Head Chef role will suit someone who enjoys the balance of hands-on cooking alongside the satisfaction of building something that feels personal, sustainable, and well-respected within the local area.

What's on offer:

Salary up to £37,000
40-45 hour working week promoting genuine work-life balance
Fully fresh food kitchen with seasonal, quality-led produce
State-of-the-art kitchen environment with excellent equipment
Full creative control over menus and kitchen direction
Strong community-focused operation with loyal local trade

My client is a well-loved, community-run gastro pub with a strong reputation for warm hospitality and honest, traditional food. The team is proud of its local roots and places real value on creating a welcoming environment where both guests and staff feel part of something meaningful. This is not a corporate setting - it is a hands-on, supportive operation where individuality is respected and good food sits at the heart of everything they do.

If you are looking for a Head Chef role where you can genuinely make your mark, take ownership of a kitchen, and build a menu you can be proud of, this is an outstanding opportunity. Apply today to find out more about this Head Chef position and take the next step in your culinary career.