Head Chef

Head Chef – £40,000 | New Forest Setting | Fresh, Seasonal Menu

Head Chef opportunity offering £40,000, working in a beautiful country pub setting with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced food.

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a well-established country pub in North Gorley, surrounded by the New Forest and within easy reach of Fordingbridge, Ringwood and Salisbury. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef who enjoys a relaxed pub environment but takes real pride in producing quality food and leading a kitchen team.

Why apply for this Head Chef role?

• You’ll earn a salary of £40,000

• You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of a well-established kitchen

• You’ll work with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

• You’ll create food across small plates, pub classics, signature dishes and traditional Sunday roasts

• You’ll be part of a characterful country pub with a strong local following

• You’ll enjoy the New Forest countryside on your doorstep

• You’ll have the opportunity to bring your own ideas and creativity to the menu

Key Responsibilities:

As Head Chef, you’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintaining high standards while ensuring a consistent and enjoyable dining experience.

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team

• Oversee food preparation, cooking and service

• Maintain consistently high standards across the menu

• Work with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce

• Support menu development and bring new ideas to the kitchen

• Manage ordering, stock control and kitchen costs

• Maintain excellent food hygiene and kitchen standards

• Deliver a strong Sunday lunch service and busy weekend trade

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for an experienced chef who is confident leading a kitchen and enjoys working within a busy country pub environment.

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or experienced Sous Chef ready to step up

• Strong knowledge of fresh, seasonal and British food

• Experience leading and developing a kitchen team

• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergens and kitchen compliance

• Organised, reliable and hands-on approach

• Creative approach to menu development

• Weekend availability is essential

• A full driving licence and access to your own transport is essential due to the rural location

The role is based in North Gorley, around 40 minutes from Southampton and within easy reach of Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Salisbury and the surrounding New Forest area.

If you’re looking for your next step as a Head Chef in North Gorley, with the opportunity to lead a kitchen and put your own stamp on a seasonal pub menu, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.

Job Number │ KW290926
Location │ North Gorley
Role │ Head Chef

Platinum Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.