Head Chef - High-Volume Independent Pub

Head Chef – High-Volume Independent Pub

East London | £75,000 + Opportunity to Grow

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of East London’s busiest independent pubs.

This is a serious high-volume operation, serving 200–300+ covers on a busy weekend day. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable operating at this level and knows how to deliver great food consistently when the pressure is on.

The business is independently owned and has recently opened a new location, with further growth planned. This is a great opportunity for a Head Chef who wants real ownership of the kitchen, including menu development, team leadership and the wider food operation.

The Role

You’ll take full responsibility for the kitchen operation, leading a sizeable team and ensuring the kitchen delivers consistently across busy services, events and private functions.

A key part of the role will be developing the food offering. You’ll have the opportunity to create and evolve menus that work commercially while maintaining the quality and fresh-food focus the business is known for.

You’ll be responsible for:

Leading, developing and motivating a large kitchen teamManaging 200–300+ covers on busy weekend daysRunning a high-volume, fresh food operationTaking ownership of menu development and the evolution of the food offeringCreating seasonal menus and specialsDeveloping dishes that balance quality, creativity and commercialityMaintaining food quality and consistency during peak serviceManaging GP, food costs and labourOrdering, stock control and supplier relationshipsKitchen systems, organisation and food safetyRecruitment, training and development of the teamWorking closely with the wider management teamPlanning and delivering large-scale eventsSupporting weddings, private functions and other eventsHelping shape the food operation as the business continues to grow What We’re Looking For

This role will suit a Head Chef who has genuinely worked in a busy, high-volume environment and is looking for a role with significant ownership.

You’ll ideally have:

Proven Head Chef experience within a busy pub, restaurant or similar operationExperience managing 200+ covers in a dayStrong experience with fresh food and a quality-led menuProven experience developing and evolving menusA good understanding of food trends, seasonality and commercial menu developmentThe ability to lead a sizeable kitchen teamStrong commercial understanding, including GP, labour and stock controlThe ability to remain organised and calm during very busy servicesExcellent standards around food quality, consistency and presentationStrong recruitment, training and people management skillsExperience managing large events, weddings and private functions would be highly desirable The Opportunity

This is an independent business with plenty of ambition.

They have recently opened a new location and are continuing to grow, so there is genuine scope for the right person to develop their role and progress within the business.

You’ll have a real voice in the food operation and the opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu as the business develops.

£75,000 salary, with genuine opportunity to grow as the business expands.

If you’re a Head Chef who enjoys high-volume pubs, fresh food, menu development, big teams and busy events, this is a role worth talking about.