Head Chef - Gastro Pub | Job in Kingston Upon Thames

In the heart of London we are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our dedicated kitchen team in one of our thriving gastropubs. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative culinary professional with a strong background in food preparation, menu development, and team management.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Oversee all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring high-quality food is consistently produced for our customers.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that reflect current food trends while considering customer preferences.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, and ongoing development to ensure a highly skilled and motivated team.
• Collaborate with the management team to implement effective cost control measures without compromising on quality.
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety standards in accordance with relevant regulations.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks to ensure dishes meet our exacting standards.
• Work closely with suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients that support our commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
• Participate in marketing activities, such as food photography and menu presentations, to showcase your culinary creations effectively.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, encouraging teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments to continually enhance our offerings.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven experience in a similar Head Chef role within the hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and practices.
• Excellent culinary skills with a focus on creativity and innovation.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for using fresh, high-quality ingredients in your dishes.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and evenings. Join our team of dedicated professionals and contribute to the success of one of London's premier gastropubs. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent opportunities for career progression, and a supportive working environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting new culinary adventure in the heart of the city!

Summary/Opportunity

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*Head Chef - Gastro Pub *

Join our dynamic and creative team at a charming gastropub nestled in the heart of London! As our Head Chef, you will lead the culinary vision for this vibrant establishment, delivering exceptional food experiences to our discerning clientele. In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing innovative seasonal menus that showcase fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Managing day-to-day operations within the kitchen, including staff scheduling, inventory management, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Collaborating with our talented team of chefs to maintain consistent quality across all dishes.
• Continuously seeking opportunities for improvement, experimenting with new recipes, and staying abreast of culinary trends.
• Liaising with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service and exceptional guest experiences.
• Providing leadership and mentorship to junior chefs, fostering a positive and collaborative kitchen environment.
• Adhering to food safety regulations and maintaining high standards of hygiene in the kitchen.
• Contributing to the overall success of our gastropub by participating in marketing efforts, special events, and staff training sessions. We are seeking an ambitious, passionate Head Chef with:
• Proven experience in a senior culinary role within a high-volume gastro pub or similar establishment.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop junior team members.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A creative approach to menu development with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Exceptional understanding of food safety regulations and a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• A willingness to collaborate with the wider team and be open to feedback and continuous learning.
• A genuine passion for the culinary arts and a commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences for our guests. If you are a talented, ambitious Head Chef looking for an opportunity to make your mark in one of London's most exciting food scenes we would love to hear from you! Join us on our journey towards culinary excellence and help shape the future of our gastro pub. 🍴 Apply Today 🍴

Daily Responsibilities

In this dynamic and challenging role as the Head Chef in our London-based gastro pub, you will be responsible for overseeing all culinary aspects of the establishment, ensuring exceptional food quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction at every meal. Here is a breakdown of your daily responsibilities:

• Menu Development & Recipe Management: Collaborate with senior management to develop innovative, seasonally inspired menus that cater to a diverse clientele. Maintain high-quality standards for all recipes while considering cost-effectiveness and availability of ingredients.
• Staff Supervision & Training: Lead, mentor, and motivate your kitchen team, providing them with the necessary training, skills, and guidance needed to deliver consistent, high-quality dishes. Conduct regular performance evaluations and offer constructive feedback to help staff grow professionally.
• Ingredient Procurement & Inventory Management: Oversee inventory management and ensure accurate tracking of food supplies for optimal waste reduction and cost control. Develop strong relationships with suppliers to maintain a steady supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients while negotiating competitive pricing.
• Kitchen Operations & Efficiency: Coordinate daily kitchen operations to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize delays in service. Monitor kitchen processes and implement changes as needed to ensure smooth, timely meal production.
• Quality Assurance & Food Safety: Implement strict food safety protocols, ensuring compliance with local regulations and best practices. Regularly inspect the kitchen for cleanliness, proper storage of ingredients, and adherence to food handling procedures.
• Guest Interaction & Feedback Management: Engage with guests during service, addressing their concerns or compliments regarding the menu, dishes, and overall dining experience. Collate feedback and communicate insights to senior management for continuous improvement.
• Menu Pricing & Cost Control: Work closely with the pub's financial team to determine appropriate pricing for dishes based on ingredient costs, labor, and other factors while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
• Kitchen Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all kitchen equipment is functioning properly and undergoes routine maintenance as needed. Collaborate with maintenance staff to resolve any issues quickly to minimize disruptions to service.
• Staff Scheduling & Rotas: Plan, coordinate, and manage kitchen staff rotas based on the pub's operating hours, expected guest traffic, and staff availability. Ensure proper coverage during all meal periods while minimizing labor costs.
• Kitchen Team Motivation & Morale: Foster a positive and supportive work environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and open communication. Recognize and reward exceptional performance among team members to boost morale and encourage continued growth and development. As the Head Chef, you will play an integral role in the success of our gastro pub, ensuring consistently high-quality dishes, efficient operations, and a positive working environment for your kitchen team. With your leadership, dedication, and culinary expertise we look forward to providing our guests with an exceptional dining experience every time they visit us.

Organization Info

Our gastro pub is a vibrant, lively establishment nestled in the heart of London, renowned for its exceptional food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creating innovative, mouth-watering dishes that delight both regular patrons and first-time visitors alike. Our team is the backbone of our success, and we believe in fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone's voice matters. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our passion for great food and excellent service. As our Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading and inspiring our kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality dishes that exceed our customers' expectations. You will have the opportunity to showcase your creativity, develop new menu items, and drive the culinary vision of our pub.

• Lead the kitchen team in day-to-day operations, ensuring a smooth flow of service at all times.
• Collaborate with the management team to develop seasonal menus that showcase the best local produce.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and maintain accurate records.
• Conduct regular team training sessions to improve skills and knowledge.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients are used in our dishes.
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure a seamless dining experience for our customers.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a similar role.
• Strong culinary skills and creativity with the ability to develop innovative dishes.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficient in food costing, inventory control, and kitchen management.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A competitive salary package, including tips.
• Opportunities for career progression within our organisation.
• Comprehensive training and development programs.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Staff meals on duty and discounts when dining at any of our establishments.
• The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional food and service.