Head Chef - Country Food-Led Pub
?? Botley, Southampton
?? Live-Out Position
?? Salary: Around £40,000 (DOE - flexible for the right candidate)
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and well-organised Head Chef to lead the kitchen in our welcoming, food-led country pub located in the heart of Botley.
This is a hands-on role, ideal for a chef who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients, values consistency, and takes genuine pride in kitchen standards, hygiene, and food safety.
The Role
Lead and motivate a small, capable kitchen team
Design and deliver high-quality, seasonal menus with a strong focus on classic pub food done well
Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen compliance
Oversee ordering, stock control, GP management, and waste reduction
Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth day-to-day service
Be fully involved in kitchen operations - this is a working Head Chef position
What We're Looking For
Proven experience as a Head Chef, or an experienced Sous Chef ready to step up
Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (minimum requirement)
Allergen Awareness qualification
Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
A structured, organised approach to running a kitchen
Passion for fresh ingredients and well-executed pub classics
Calm, consistent leadership and clear communication skills
Particular attention to dietary requirements, especially gluten-free options
Hours & Working Pattern
5 days per week, approximately 48 hours
Shift pattern open to discussion, but typically: Monday-Thursday: Breakfast from 10am, through to 3pm (lunch service)
Friday & Saturday: Breakfast through to evening service (food served all day, with breaks built in)
Sunday: Breakfast through until kitchen closure around 5-6pm
What We Offer
Salary around £40,000, with flexibility for the right candidate
Live-out role
Supportive ownership and a stable, friendly working environment
Opportunity to influence menu development and put your own stamp on the kitchen
A reasonable approach to work-life balance wherever possible
If you're a dedicated Head Chef who cares as much about hygiene, food safety, and allergens as you do about great food, we'd love to hear from you.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
TPBN1_UKCT