Little & Large Pub Company
Head Chef
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The Role
The Running Horses is looking for an experienced, ambitious and highly organised Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take ownership of the food offering at one of Surrey’s most established country pubs.
Set in the beautiful village of Mickleham, The Running Horses is an award-winning pub with seven individually designed bedrooms, a strong local following and a reputation for quality seasonal food, warm hospitality and memorable Sunday lunches.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who wants the freedom to develop menus, build a strong kitchen culture and make a genuine impact within a growing independent pub company.
As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards of food, presentation, cleanliness and organisation.
You will work closely with the General Manager and the senior leadership team to develop an exciting, commercially successful food offering that reflects the character of The Running Horses.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
- Creating and developing seasonal menus using high-quality ingredients
- Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
- Delivering consistently excellent food across lunch, dinner, Sunday service, events and hotel breakfast
- Managing food costs, gross profit, stock levels and supplier relationships
- Producing accurate recipes, specifications, allergen information and dish costings
- Managing kitchen rotas and maintaining labour costs within agreed targets
- Recruiting, training and retaining a reliable and professional kitchen team
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Ensuring all kitchen checks, temperature records and due-diligence documentation are completed accurately
- Working collaboratively with the front-of-house team to deliver a seamless guest experience
- Supporting private events, weddings and seasonal promotions
- Reducing waste and improving kitchen efficiency
- Taking pride in the presentation, organisation and overall condition of the kitchen
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About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about British seasonal cooking and understands how to deliver excellent pub food consistently and commercially.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Have previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality pub, restaurant or hotel
- Be confident leading and developing a kitchen brigade
- Have strong knowledge of food costs, gross profit, stock control and labour management
- Be calm, organised and hands-on during busy services
- Demonstrate excellent attention to detail
- Understand allergens, food safety legislation and kitchen compliance
- Be able to create exciting, achievable and commercially successful menus
- Have strong communication and leadership skills
- Take responsibility and lead by example
- Be passionate about creating memorable guest experiences
- Have a positive, professional and solutions-focused attitude
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What We Offer
- Salary of £50,000 per annum
- Creative input into menus and the future direction of the food offering
- Support from an experienced senior leadership team
- Supplier relationships with quality local and national producers
- Staff meals while on duty
- Company discounts across Little & Large Pub Company venues
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- The opportunity to lead the kitchen at a respected Surrey pub
- A supportive and ambitious independent company environment
About Little & Large Pub Company
The Running Horses is part of Little & Large Pub Company, an independent collection of distinctive pubs, inns and restaurants across London, Surrey and Kent.
We believe that it is the little things that make the large difference. We are passionate about exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, strong local relationships and creating venues that our teams and communities can be proud of.
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