Head Chef – Kite at The Red Hart - Gastropub
45 hours per week £45,000 inc. TRONC + £2000 signing on bonus
Start date: October 2025
Kite at The Red Hart is an independent neighbourhood gastropub in Hitchin serving up modern British cooking with seasonal flair. We're passionate about great food and our kitchen is led by creativity and collaboration — now we're looking for a Head Chef to build the next chapter of our culinary story.
We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive vibe for our customers and team members alike. This kind of environment, where we support our staff and work actively to create a healthy work-life balance, is the reason why a large number of our team stay with us for 5+ years.
The Role
You'll oversee every aspect of our kitchen operation, helping shape menus that highlight the best of each season. Kite is a gastropub where the dishes are familiar but always have something to elevate them above normal expectations. You'll work with fresh, local produce as much as possible, and lead a small, dedicated team to deliver the kind of consistent high quality menus we're known for—especially on our legendary Sunday roasts. We also host regular private events, and a very limited number of weddings each year. You will be in charge of ensuring these clients are wowed by the food.
Responsibilities
* Lead daily kitchen operations with precision and passion.
* Design and execute seasonal menus (including gluten‑free, dairy‑free and vegan options) both for our daily pub operation as well as private hires, events and weddings
* Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, cost control and waste reduction.
* Inspire, mentor and manage your team with empathy and clarity.
* Collaborate with the front of house team to deliver seamless service.
* Actively support our ethos of sustainability and creativity
* Commitment to creating a fun, inclusive workplace.
About You
* Proven Head Chef or Sous Chef experience in a busy gastropub or high‑quality restaurant setting.
* A strong sense of leadership and a genuine interest in team wellbeing and development.
* Passionate about seasonal British food, sustainability and reducing food waste.
* Organised, calm under pressure, and detail‑oriented.
* Excellent communication and a personable, supportive approach.
* Flexible to work evenings and weekends, within a 45‑hour roster.
What We Offer
* A salary of £45,000 per year including TRONC.
* 45 hours per week, with shifts that support a healthy work‑life balance. 2 days off in a row guaranteed.
* 28 days' holiday (including bank holidays).
* Pension contributions and staff meals provided
* Discounted food & drink across Kite at The Red Hart and The Groundworks café.
* A welcoming, creative and socially-minded team culture.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person