Job Advert
Head Chef – Wainwrights Inn
Salary: £35,190.00 per annum
Shift Pattern: 5 shifts over 7 days (Full Time)
Location: Great Langdale, Near Ambleside
Interview Process
First stage interview followed by a second-stage cook-off, including interaction with the existing team and a tour of the estate.
Who We Are
Wainwrights Inn is part of the Langdale Estate, set in the heart of the Lake District. As a traditional English pub with character and charm, we are known for our hearty, well-executed food and warm hospitality. On busy days, we serve up to 300 covers, making this a fast-paced and rewarding kitchen environment.
As part of our ongoing commitment to quality, we are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently great food to our guests—whether they're walkers finishing a long day on the fells or locals enjoying a Sunday roast.
Purpose of the Role
As Head Chef at Wainwrights Inn, you'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring smooth service, high standards, and quality pub classics done well. Working closely with the Estate Chef and Front of House team, you'll ensure that the food offer remains consistent, seasonal, and aligned with guest expectations. Leadership, teamwork, and an eye for quality will be key to your success in this role.
What We Offer
We know the hospitality industry is demanding, which is why we prioritise creating a supportive and rewarding environment for our kitchen teams. We offer:
* A competitive salary, reviewed annually and benchmarked against industry standards
* Internal and external training opportunities
* Bespoke career development plans
* A collaborative and inclusive team culture
* The chance to work in a beautiful Lake District setting within a long-established and respected business
Our Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a Head Chef who lives and breathes quality pub food and thrives in a busy kitchen. You'll be a strong leader, a supportive mentor, and a hands-on chef who leads by example.
You will have:
* Proven experience in a kitchen leadership role, ideally within a high-volume pub or casual dining setting
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
* A calm, consistent approach under pressure
* A passion for traditional British cuisine with the ability to keep it fresh and appealing
* A commitment to high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety
* The ability to manage stock, suppliers, and kitchen budgets effectively
* A guest-first mindset with the ability to adapt to customer needs and feedback
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the kitchen team in delivering consistent, high-quality food at volume
* Manage day-to-day kitchen operations including prep, service, and clean-down
* Ensure all food is prepared to recipe and served to specification
* Train, supervise, and support the kitchen team, fostering a positive and professional environment
* Monitor stock levels, place orders, and manage inventory efficiently
* Work with the Estate Chef on menu development and seasonal changes
* Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and all other legal requirements
* Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure timely repair and maintenance as needed
* Support the delivery of key financial targets, including gross profit margins and payroll efficiency
* Encourage open communication and collaboration across teams and departments
Equal Opportunity Employer
Langdale is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. At Langdale, we value inclusion, creativity, and teamwork. Join us and help shape the future of a business rooted in tradition but always moving forward.