Head Chef

Head Chef – New Food-Led Pub Kitchen in Surrey
£40,000–£55,000 + TRUNC | Live-in optional

We're launching a brand new kitchen team and menu at a beautiful country pub near Reigate and need a driven, ambitious Head Chef to lead. No previous Head Chef title required, just skill, vision, and energy - perfect for a sous chef looking to step up.

Our goal: become one of Surrey’s best food pubs. We're going to be highlighting seasonal, ingredient-focused British cooking - generous, produce-led plates. Not fine dining or super experimental. Just exceptional ingredients, brilliant cooking, warm hospitality, and consistency at a high level.

What makes this role exciting

Shape the food & suppliers
Work with us to build the menu, set the direction, and choose exceptional producers.

A respectful, calm kitchen culture
Professional, collaborative, and supportive — no egos, no chaos.

Career-making role
Ideal step up for a talented chef. Ability and attitude matter more than time served.

Build your own team
Starting with a core team of two chefs + KP/commis support. Opportunity to shape culture from day one. Sous Chef role also available.

Salary & accommodation
£40–55k (live-out) with live-in options — from a large three-bed apartment (family-friendly) to self-contained units.

Couples welcome
Front-of-house roles available too — great move for a couple.

Location
Picturesque Surrey Hills village, close to rail links to London (30–50 mins).

About you

No rigid experience requirements — just passion, talent, ambition, and the drive to build something special. You care about:

• Seasonal, quality-led ingredients
• Calm, respectful kitchen leadership
• High standards, strong technique, and consistency
• Creating something from the ground up

This is a rare chance to put your stamp on a brand-new pub and help build one of Surrey’s most exciting dining spots from day one.