Who are we and what do we do ?
At The Muddy Duck, were a proudly independent pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Hethe, just north of Bicester. Our home sits beside the village church, surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, and weve always believed a great local should feel both familiar and a little magical. Under one roof, youll find a proper pub where you can settle in with a pint and a meal, and a relaxed restaurant serving honest, great-tasting food. Weve held onto the charm and character of a true village pub while creating spaces that feel special, welcoming, and full of personality.
Our team is local, passionate, and dedicated to making every visit feel like coming home, whether youre here for a quiet drink, a long lunch/dinner, or a celebration!
About the Role
Were looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen of our newly reopened premium pub and dining room, delivering a modern British menu shaped by refined Japanese influence. This is a rare chance to take creative ownership of a concept from the ground up, crafting a food identity that is precise, seasonal, and beautifully executed.
As Head Chef, youll work closely with senior leadership to define the culinary vision, build a high-performing kitchen team, and set the standards that will establish the venue as a destination from day one. Youll balance creativity with commercial awareness, ensuring the menu thrives across both elevated dining and high-volume service.
This role is ideal for a chef with strong British foundations, a thoughtful understanding of Japanese techniques and flavour profiles, and the leadership presence to inspire, mentor, and drive excellence throughout the kitchen.
Location: Bicester surroundings
Key Responsibilities
Concept & Menu Leadership
Develop and deliver a seasonal British menu with refined Japanese influence
Create dishes that balance flavour, technique, and presentation with commercial viability
Ensure the menu performs across both elevated dining and high-volume service
Work collaboratively with the front of house team to ensure cohesion between food and beverage
Kitchen Leadership & Culture
Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing, disciplined kitchen team
Establish a culture of professionalism, consistency, and continuous improvement
Mentor and develop chefs at all levels, creating a clear progression pathway
Lead service with confidence, precision, and calm authority
Operational Excellence
Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
Oversee kitchen organisation, prep systems, and service flow at pace
Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards
Manage supplier relationships with a focus on quality, seasonality, and provenance
Commercial Performance
Take full ownership of food cost, GP, and labour management
Drive efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise yield across the kitchen
Contribute to overall business performance through strong operational control
Support the successful launch and long-term profitability of the venue
What Were Looking For
Were seeking a Head Chef with the skill, discipline, and creative maturity to shape a modern British menu with refined Japanese influence. The ideal candidate will bring:
Proven leadership experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous within a premium, high-volume kitchen
Strong foundations in British cuisine paired with a thoughtful, nuanced understanding of Japanese techniques and flavour profiles
A creative yet commercially minded approach, able to balance innovation with operational and financial awareness
Calm, structured organisation under pressure, with the ability to lead service with confidence and clarity
A passion for ingredient-led cooking, seasonality, and elegant presentation
A strong leadership presence, capable of inspiring, developing, and retaining a high-performing team
A precise, restrained approach to BritishJapanese influence, avoiding gimmicks in favour of refinement and integrity
The ability to deliver modern, polished dishes that perform across both elevated dining and high-volume service
A builder of standards and culture, ready to open a venue, set the tone from day one, and help establish a long-term reputation for excellence
Why Join Absolute Taste?
Working with us means joining a fast-growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. Youll be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work.
We offer:
25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
3% pension
Life assurance
Thorough training and ongoing development
A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
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