Head Chef

Head Chef

Michelin Guide Listed Gastro Pub | Award-Winning Independent | The Cotswolds

Up to £56,000 Annual Package + Performance Bonus + Generous Profit Share
Four-Day Working Week | Relocation Support Available | Exceptional Long-Term Opportunity

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Head Chef to lead the kitchen of one of the Cotswolds' most respected independent gastro pubs.

Recognised by the Michelin Guide and celebrated as one of the country's leading food-led destinations, this award-winning pub has built an exceptional reputation through simple, seasonal cooking, outstanding local produce and genuine hospitality.

Following a planned leadership transition, the business is now seeking a passionate and driven Head Chef to build upon an already outstanding legacy while helping shape the next chapter of this highly respected kitchen.

The Venue

This renowned gastro pub with rooms has become a destination for diners seeking relaxed hospitality and exceptional food.

The philosophy is refreshingly uncomplicated—allowing the very best seasonal ingredients, sourced from outstanding local producers, to take centre stage. Menus evolve naturally throughout the year, complemented by carefully considered daily specials that celebrate the best produce available.

Serving up to 100 guests per service, the kitchen delivers consistently high standards while maintaining a positive, supportive and professional culture where chefs are encouraged to grow and develop.

Working closely alongside an experienced owner, you'll have genuine creative input into the direction of the food while leading an established and talented brigade.

The Role

This is a genuine leadership opportunity for a Head Chef who enjoys being both creative and hands-on.

You'll take responsibility for leading a team of 6–7 chefs, maintaining the exceptional standards the kitchen is known for while continuing to evolve the menus with confidence and simplicity.

Working collaboratively with the owner, you'll develop seasonal dishes and daily specials that showcase outstanding British produce, while ensuring every service is delivered with consistency, precision and care.

Alongside leading the brigade, you'll oversee the commercial performance of the kitchen, managing gross profit, labour costs, stock control and operational standards, all while fostering a positive culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

The Package

• Up to £56,000 annual package
• Performance bonus
• Generous company profit share
• Four-day working week
• Christmas Day off
• Structured handover with the outgoing Head Chef
• Relocation support available for the right candidate
• Genuine creative influence over menus and food development
• Long-term career progression within a growing independent hospitality business

The Ideal Candidate

• An experienced Head Chef, or an exceptional Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• A background within Michelin Guide, 3 AA Rosette or leading independent gastro pub environments.
• Passionate about seasonal British produce and ingredient-led cooking.
• A confident and supportive leader with experience developing high-performing kitchen teams.
• Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of GP, labour management and kitchen operations.
• Calm under pressure, organised and committed to delivering consistently exceptional food.
• Someone who values integrity, consistency and genuine hospitality as much as technical ability.

Why This Role?

Opportunities to lead kitchens of this calibre are few and far between.

Combining national recognition, genuine creative freedom and an exceptional overall package with the lifestyle benefits of a four-day working week, this role offers the chance to build a long-term future within one of the Cotswolds' most admired independent hospitality businesses.

For a chef looking to lead an established, successful kitchen while putting their own stamp on an already exceptional reputation, this represents a truly outstanding career opportunity.