Head Chef – Award-Winning Country Inn, Lake District
Salary: Up to £36,000
Hours: Full Time, 5 shifts over 7 days
Location: Near Ambleside
About the Opportunity
Nestled in one of the most scenic valleys in the Lake District, this much-loved country inn is known for its hearty, well-crafted food, welcoming atmosphere, and characterful charm. Serving locals, walkers, and holiday guests alike, the kitchen delivers up to 300 covers on busy days - making this a fast-paced, rewarding role for a Head Chef who enjoys volume without compromising quality.
We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead a small kitchen team of four, champion consistent standards, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on an evolving menu rooted in traditional British favourites done exceptionally well.
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take charge of day-to-day kitchen operations from prep to service and everything in between. Working closely with senior management and the front-of-house team, you’ll ensure smooth service, high-quality dishes, and a cohesive, motivated kitchen environment.
Your influence will shape not only the food but also the team culture - inspiring others through calm leadership, creativity, and pride in your craft.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience leading a busy kitchen (ideally in a high-volume pub or casual dining setting)
- Thrives under pressure and maintains a calm, professional manner
- Is passionate about classic British food with a seasonal twist
- Has strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrates excellent food hygiene and safety standards
- Can manage stock, suppliers, and budgets effectively
- Leads by example and enjoys developing others
- We would also consider applications from talented Sous Chefs looking to take their next step
Don't meet every single requirement? At Realise, we are dedicated to helping our clients build diverse, inclusive and authentic workplaces, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we would encourage you to apply anyway! You might just be the candidate we're looking for! Realise HR Ltd is operating as an recruitment agency on behalf of its clients. We may keep your CV on file for the purposes of providing recruitment services and in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found on our website www.realisehr.co.uk