Head Chef - Established Busy Gastro Pub in Tonbridge, South East

Tonbridge

permanent, full-time

£45,000 - £55,000 per annum

UK working eligibility only.

Working in Tonbridge, South East

Tonbridge, Kent, is a commuter and education town with a mix of retail, light industry, and professional services. The high street and business parks support roles in customer service, facilities, administration, trades, hospitality, care, and logistics.

About Hospitality & Catering

Hospitality plays a central role in the UK economy, covering hotels, restaurants, events, and tourism. Careers range from chefs and front-of-house staff to hotel managers and event planners. Employers include independent businesses, large hotel chains, and catering groups. Demand remains high for skilled professionals in customer service and food preparation. Hospitality offers variety, creativity, and people-focused roles, often with flexible working hours and opportunities worldwide. The sector continues to adapt, with sustainability, food innovation, and guest experience shaping future growth.

Head Chef – Established Busy Gastro Pub

Location: Kent
Salary: 45k plus Ttcon OTE 55,000
Role: Head Chef
Style: English and continental gastro pub food

We are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a busy, food-led gastro pub in Kent.

This is one of the group’s busiest sites, with food sales reaching around £35,000 to £40,000 per week in summer and around £25,000 to £30,000 per week in winter.

The site has a strong local following, a large outdoor trading space, and a reputation for quality, consistency, and relaxed pub dining.

The menu has a mix of English and continental influences, with a focus on fresh produce, strong classics, and seasonal dishes that work well in a high-volume environment.

This role has become available due to internal progression, with the current chef moving into a more senior role within the group.

What you will be doing:

Leading a busy gastro pub kitchen
Managing high-volume services across seasonal peaks
Keeping food quality and consistency high
Supporting menu development with the senior food team
Managing GP, labour, stock, ordering, and waste
Training, developing, and motivating the kitchen team
Working closely with the General Manager and wider leadership team
Maintaining strong hygiene, health and safety, and compliance standards

What we are looking for:

Experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Sous Chef in a busy pub, gastro pub, or quality restaurant
Strong volume experience
A good understanding of fresh food and seasonal menus
Commercial awareness around GP, labour, stock, and waste
A calm and organised leadership style
Someone who can develop a team and keep standards consistent
A chef who enjoys proper pub food with quality behind it

This is a great opportunity for a chef who wants to take on a strong, established gastro pub in Kent, with big weekly food sales, a large outdoor trade, and genuine progression within the group.

Apply today or get in touch to find out more.

Voceer presents this job opportunity for COREcruitment, a 50 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by COREcruitment, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.

created 1 hour ago

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