Company Description
WH Pubs Ltd is a Award-Winning hospitality company dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and unforgettable dining experiences. Committed to fostering a welcoming environment, the company emphasizes quality, teamwork, and community engagement. WH Pubs Ltd prides itself on operational excellence and creating a space where guests and team members thrive. Located in the vibrant heart of Tonbridge, we aim to inspire people through great food, beverages, and outstanding hospitality.
General Manager – Food‑Led Country Inn
The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne, Kent (TN11 8JJ)
Full‑time | Competitive package | live‑in available
The Chaser Inn is a characterful, independent award-winning country inn in the Kent countryside, with a fantastic reputation for honest, seasonal food, well‑kept drinks and warm, knowledgeable service. We are now seeking an experienced and passionate General Manager with a strong food‑led background to take ownership of the business and help elevate it to the next level.
This is an ideal role for someone who genuinely cares about food provenance, menu development and creating a pub that people travel for.
You may be currently a Head Chef who now wants to venture out the kitchen and take control of the whole operation or a GM with a real passion for food and wants to work with an independent company rather than a big corporate that give you no freedom.
The Role
You will have full responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the pub, with a particular focus on developing a standout food offer that complements our setting and loyal local following. Working closely with the kitchen, you’ll help shape of the daily changing menus, champion quality ingredients, and ensure the front‑of‑house experience matches what’s on the plate.
Key Responsibilities
* Overall leadership of a food‑driven pub operation
* Working alongside the kitchen to deliver seasonal, well‑executed menus
* Upholding high standards of food quality, presentation and service
* Building a knowledgeable front‑of‑house team that sells food with confidence
* Recruiting, training and developing great people
* Managing GP, stock, rotas and margins with a commercial eye
* Driving bookings, covers and repeat visits through reputation and experience
* Developing events, specials and promotions around food and drink
* Ensuring full compliance with food safety, H&S and licensing requirements
About You
* Proven experience as a General Manager or a Head Chef or a strong Assistant/Deputy GM from a food‑led pub or inn
* A genuine passion for food, drink and hospitality
* Confident working with chefs and understanding kitchen operations
* Commercially astute, with strong GP and cost control skills
* Hands‑on, visible and service‑led
* Proud to run a pub where quality and consistency matter
What We Offer
* Top salary with performance‑related bonus
* The opportunity to shape a respected, food‑forward country inn
* Supportive, engaged owners who value quality over volume
* Live‑in accommodation available
* Long‑term opportunity for the right individual
If you are ready and this sounds like your cup of tea, you now feel ready to join this award winning family of pubs I want to hear from you!