Head Chef

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the kitchen operation, leading the team to deliver fresh, seasonal food with consistency, care, and pride.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the food offer of a much-loved country inn, creating menus that reflect the character of the venue while celebrating classic pub dining, quality ingredients, and modern touches.

Working closely with the General Manager and wider team, you’ll be responsible for driving standards, developing your chefs, and ensuring every guest enjoys an outstanding dining experience whether they’re joining us for a casual lunch, Sunday roast, special occasion, or hotel stay.

What you’ll be responsible for

You’ll take ownership of:

• Leading and inspiring the kitchen team to deliver excellent food every day
• Creating a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, pride, and high standards
• Developing menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and classic British cooking
• Maintaining consistency across restaurant service, private events, and hotel dining
• Managing stock, ordering, food costs, and kitchen performance
• Ensuring excellent food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
• Building strong relationships with the front-of-house and wider hotel teams
• Coaching and developing chefs to support their growth and progression

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a Head Chef who understands the importance of both food and hospitality.

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience leading a fresh food kitchen
• A passion for seasonal ingredients and quality British cooking
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and food costs
• The ability to create consistent standards across every service
• A hands-on approach and pride in delivering great food
• The confidence to bring ideas and creativity to a well-loved venue

You’ll be someone who enjoys building relationships, creating a positive team environment, and taking ownership of the kitchen’s success.

What does success look like?

Success at The Kings Arms means creating a kitchen team that guests and colleagues are proud of.

You’ll build a reputation for delivering exceptional food, developing your team, and ensuring every plate reflects the quality and character of this historic venue.

You’ll help make The Kings Arms a destination for locals, hotel guests, and visitors exploring Kent — a place remembered not just for its history and surroundings, but for its food and hospitality.

Why join The Kings Arms?

The Kings Arms offers a rare opportunity to lead a kitchen within a truly unique setting.

With centuries of history, a loyal local following, hotel guests throughout the year, and the beauty of the Kent countryside on the doorstep, this is a role where you can make a genuine impact.

You’ll have the freedom to bring your experience and creativity to a venue with personality, while being supported by a team that values great food, warm service, and memorable experiences.

What we offer

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• The opportunity to lead a historic and characterful kitchen
• Career development and progression opportunities
• The chance to create and influence menus
• A supportive team environment
• Working within a beautiful countryside location
• Employee discounts
• Pension contribution

If you’re a Head Chef who loves fresh food, enjoys leading people, and wants to be part of a venue with genuine character and heritage, we’d love to hear from you.