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Saffron Walden

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The Eight Bells

<h2><strong>Head Chef — The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden</strong></h2><p><strong>£38,000–£40,000 + Tronc | Full Time</strong></p><p><strong>Live‑in accommodation available</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Right in the centre of Saffron Walden, The Eight Bells is a well‑established pub known for its warm atmosphere, quality food and steady flow of locals and visitors. With an emphasis on seasonality, consistency and fresh, well‑crafted dishes, it’s a kitchen with plenty of opportunity to make your mark.</p><p>We’re looking for a Head Chef who can lead from the front — bringing creativity, calm leadership and the ability to run a well‑organised, efficient kitchen. You’ll take ownership of the food offering, champion quality and ensure every plate reflects the standards The Eight Bells is known for.</p><p>If you’re the kind of chef who enjoys a busy service, a supportive team and the chance to shape a menu that suits both the town and its regulars, this could be a great fit.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>What the Role’s All About...</strong></h3><p>As Head Chef, you’ll set the pace and standards in the kitchen — leading by example, supporting your team and delivering food that balances quality, consistency and seasonality.</p><p>You’ll:</p><p>• Design and develop seasonal menus that reflect creativity and align with Chestnut’s vision</p><p>• Manage and develop the kitchen team through recruitment, training and ongoing mentoring</p><p>• Ensure every dish meets high standards for taste, presentation and consistency</p><p>• Oversee all kitchen operations, including inventory management, cost control and adherence to health &amp; safety regulations</p><p>• Maintain accurate dry stock management</p><p>• Work closely with the General Manager to cultivate a positive, motivated and high‑performing environment</p><p>• Control stock, ordering and GP to drive commercial performance</p><p>• Train, mentor and support junior chefs and kitchen staff</p><p>• Bring ideas, drive and confidence to move the food offering forward</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>About You...</strong></h3><p>You’re an experienced, hands‑on chef who brings calmness, care and quality to a busy kitchen. You take pride in running a clean, well‑organised operation and producing food that guests want to return for.</p><p>You’ll bring:</p><p>• Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous stepping up</p><p>• A passion for fresh, seasonal, well‑crafted food</p><p>• Confidence in leading and developing a kitchen team</p><p>• Strong understanding of cost control, stock management and GP</p><p>• A steady, organised approach to busy services</p><p>• A desire to grow with a business that values people, standards and consistency</p><p>Live‑in accommodation may be available for the right candidate.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Why Join The Eight Bells?</strong></h3><p>The Eight Bells is a respected and well‑loved part of Saffron Walden — a busy, friendly pub with a loyal local following and a strong reputation for food. You’ll have the freedom to shape the menu, the support of an experienced management team and the opportunity to build a kitchen you’re proud of.</p><p>It’s the ideal role for a chef who wants ownership, stability and room to grow.</p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Benefits &amp; Perks</strong></h3><p>• Performance bonus schemes</p><p>• Team &amp; individual incentive trips</p><p>• 50% discount on food across all Chestnut pubs</p><p>• Overnight stays from £75</p><p>• Friends &amp; Family discounts</p><p>• Employee Assistance Programme</p><p>• Refer a Friend bonuses</p><p>• High‑street retail &amp; travel discounts</p><p>• Wagestream access</p><p>• Accredited training &amp; leadership development</p><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>Ready to lead the kitchen at one of Saffron Walden’s most established pubs?</strong></h3><p>If this feels like the right next step for you, apply today — we’d really like to meet you.</p><p><br></p><p>INDCP</p>

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