Are you an experienced Head Chef passionate about delivering outstanding food across multiple dining experiences? Join our team at the Hope & Anchor, a bustling riverside pub with rooms, where you’ll lead a talented kitchen team, develop creative menus, and oversee a dynamic site catering to both locals and seasonal visitors.
Why Join Us?
* Diverse & Exciting Role – Oversee the entire culinary operation, including our pub/restaurant, Pavilion for private events, breakfast service, and outdoor summer dining featuring our wood-fired pizza ovens.
* Creative Freedom – Showcase your skills with high-quality, cook-from-scratch dishes tailored to a mix of relaxed pub dining, premium event catering, and high-volume seasonal service.
* Supportive & Stable Team – Work with a passionate and experienced team in a family-run company dedicated to training and development.
Competitive Package:
* Competitive salary with monthly KPI bonuses
* TiPJAR for shared tips
* Wagestream for flexible access to wages
* Store discounts & loyalty bonuses
* Octopus Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Team Celebrations – Paid company events to recognise success
* Free on-site parking
What You’ll Do:
* Lead & Inspire – Manage and motivate a team of chefs across multiple service styles, from pub dining and private events to breakfast service and seasonal outdoor food.
* Develop Future Talent – Mentor and train in-house chefs to enhance their skills, helping them become stronger, more well-rounded professionals.
* Deliver Culinary Excellence – Maintain exceptional quality, ensuring consistency in all aspects of food preparation and presentation.
* Oversee Operations – Control stock, manage suppliers, and ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.
* Review & Optimise Suppliers – Regularly review suppliers to ensure the best produce is sourced at competitive rates, maintaining quality while controlling costs.
* Drive Efficiency – Plan kitchen operations, staffing, and service to meet demand, particularly during the busy summer season.
* Event Coordination – Work closely with the General Manager & Assistant General Managers to deliver unforgettable private events, including weddings, celebrations, and corporate functions.
* Ensure Kitchen Safety – Be responsible for the safe operation of the kitchen, overseeing the implementation of Safer Food, Better Business guidelines to maintain the highest hygiene and safety standards.
What We’re Looking For:
* Passionate & Skilled – Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced, multi-service environment.
* Organised & Adaptable – Ability to manage different dining styles, from à la carte pub menus to high-volume summer trade and private functions.
* Strong Leader – A natural motivator who can inspire and train chefs at all levels.
* Committed to Excellence – A dedication to upholding our venue’s reputation for fantastic food and service.
* Health & Safety Knowledge – Up-to-date understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
* Produce food of impeccable quality across all areas of the business.
* Lead, train, and develop the kitchen team, fostering a supportive and high-performing environment.
* Manage kitchen staffing levels to align with budget and seasonal demand.
* Maintain exceptional cleanliness and food hygiene standards.
* Collaborate with the General Manager & Assistant General Managers to exceed guest expectations.
* Ensure the safe operation of the kitchen, implementing Safer Food, Better Business best practices.
* Review and manage supplier relationships to ensure high-quality ingredients at the best value.
Schedule:
* Full-time, permanent role with weekend availability required.
* Working hours will include breakfast, lunch, dinner, private events, and outdoor dining during peak seasons.
If you’re a versatile and ambitious Head Chef who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is excited to oversee a diverse range of dining experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and become a key part of our growing family-run business!
The Hope & Anchor is a beautiful riverside pub, restaurant & inn nestled in the heart of Ross-On-Wye with multiple dining options for customers including a traditional pub bar and a modern cocktail bar, two restaurants, a riverside hut serving those on the go, and a spacious garden with outdoor seating including a Bandstand and all-weather tent area, both of which can house entertainment. We also have 12 beautiful recently refurbished riverside en-suite rooms available, with breakfast included and served in the pub.
Having joined the Country House Weddings portfolio in 2020, we are backed by over 30 years of experience when it comes to catering, customer service, and event planning and management. Giving our customers the peace of mind that they will be well looked after during their time with us.
Our fantastic team is made up of expert chefs, enthusiastic bar and wait staff, experienced managers, and dedicated housekeepers, all of which provide the best service day in and day out across all areas of our venue.