Head Chef (Pub/Restaurant)

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon

Salary: £35,000 Overtime and Gratuities

Hours & Flexibility:

• 40-hour contract over 5 days per week - full availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential, especially during peak seasons
• Overtime paid in addition to salary

Lead with Passion. Cook with Creativity. Work Somewhere Iconic.

The Pilchard Inn, perched on the edge of Burgh Island, is a historic coastal pub serving exceptional food in one of the UK's most unforgettable locations. We're looking for a talented and driven Head Chef to lead our small, committed kitchen team and help shape the next chapter of this unique destination.

Whether it's high-volume summer service or crafting refined dishes for evening guests, this is a rare opportunity to take full creative control in a compact but dynamic kitchen - and do it all with the Atlantic on your doorstep.

About the Role:

As Head Chef, you'll report directly to The Pilchard Manager and take full ownership of our food offering - from designing seasonal, exciting menus to managing kitchen performance and budgets. You'll lead a small, close-knit brigade to deliver both a lively daytime menu and a more elevated dinner service, all while ensuring consistency, creativity, and quality at every turn.

You'll be trusted to run your kitchen as your own - building a culture of pride, efficiency, and excellence that reflects the standards and setting of Burgh Island.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of creative, seasonal menus for both lunch and dinner
• Maintain high culinary standards across a busy, high-turnover kitchen
• Manage food and labour costs, including stock ordering, stock control, and payroll management
• Coach and lead a small kitchen team, fostering a positive and supportive environment
• Work collaboratively with front-of-house to ensure smooth, successful service
• Uphold strict food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
• Creative flair with a love for quality ingredients and seasonal British cooking
• Confident in managing kitchen operations, budgets, and team leadership
• A calm, focused presence in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Organised, resilient, and motivated by excellence

Accommodation:

• Subsidised live-in accommodation (subject to availability)

Important to Know:

• Due to our tidal island location, live-out applicants must have a car and a valid UK driving licence
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK - we are not able to offer visa sponsorship

Why Lead with Us?

• A rare Head Chef role in one of the UK's most iconic island pubs
• Total creative ownership in a tight, supportive, and passionate team
• Competitive salary, monthly gratuities, and paid overtime
• Delicious staff meals and discounts across the property
• Staff wellbeing support and perks
• The chance to live and cook somewhere extraordinary

Make your mark at The Pilchard Inn. Where the setting is iconic - and the food is just as unforgettable.