Live-in Head Chef – The Ship, Wandsworth. 50k basic plus bonus and tronc.
Young’s Flagship Pub | Private Flat with Thames Views
About You:
We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef for The Ship in Wandsworth -one of London’s most popular pubs. We’re looking for someone to play a key part as we look to reposition the food offer in this famous venue - You’ll be writing your own menus, developing the team, and looking after all aspects of the kitchen. The ideal candidate has experience running a busy kitchen, is people focused and passionate about delivering perfect plates of food.
About Us:
Since 1786, The Ship has been serving up legendary food and drink right on the banks of the River Thames. We're not just a pub – we’re a South West London landmark, a flagship venue in the Young’s family, and one of the capital’s most iconic riverside spots.
Led by Captain Tallon and a brilliant crew, we’re known for our buzzing atmosphere, epic beer garden, and commitment to quality food and service. We’re now searching for a talented, creative, and driven Head Chef to lead our kitchen and continue pushing boundaries.
And here's the real kicker – this role comes with private live-in accommodation: a self-contained flat with a large balcony overlooking the Thames. Wake up to river views every day. Not bad, right?
Why Join Us?
As a Head Chef at Young’s, you’re in charge of your own food story. We don’t do cookie-cutter menus – each pub is unique, and it’s up to you to bring the vision to life. You’ll be writing your own dishes, using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and creating menus that reflect your passion and creativity.
Whether it's showcasing local produce, plating up bold small plates, or delivering perfectly aged steaks – the kitchen is yours to command.
What You’ll Get:
* Private flat with balcony overlooking the Thames - this has been freshly refurbished
* Full autonomy to design menus & lead your kitchen
* Service charge/Tronc
* Any hours worked beyond your contracted hours are paid at your hourly rate
* Free meals on shift
* 20% discount across all Young’s pubs & hotels
* Paid breaks & 28 days’ holiday
* Culinary masterclasses – Game, Butchery, Shellfish & more
* Food trips with top suppliers
* Chef forums with fellow Head Chefs
* Career development via Apprenticeship Scheme & leadership programmes
* Enhanced pension & share-save scheme
Quarterly Bonus Scheme:
Earn up to £1,250+ in quarterly bonuses based on performance. Here's how it breaks down:
1. Sales Bonus
* Achieve 5–10% over sales budget: £170
* Achieve 10%+ over sales budget: £350
2. Food Gross Profit Bonus
* Hit 0.5–1.5% over GP budget: £170
* Hit 1.5%+ over GP budget: £350
3. Food Safety Audit Bonus
* Score 90–95%: £170
* Score 95%+ or 5* EHO rating: £350
4. Reputation Score Bonus
* Achieve a reputation score of 850+: £200
What We’re Looking For:
* A passionate Head Chef with experience in high volume sites
* A natural leader who inspires and develops their team
* Someone with a creative approach to fresh, seasonal cooking
* Strong kitchen management – stock, rota, GP, H&S – all second nature
* A team player who works closely with FOH to deliver a seamless guest experience
* High standards, big energy, and a genuine love for great food and people
Ready to Take the Helm?
If you’re excited by the idea of leading the kitchen at one of London’s most exciting riverside pubs – and living in a private flat with balcony views of the Thames – we’d love to hear from you.