Set on the North Norfolk coast overlooking the sea and sand dunes, Le Strange Arms Hotel is a well-established coastal destination, known for relaxed hospitality, fresh local food and a welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and the local community.

We are now looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead and shape the food offering across the hotel. At Chestnut, we champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients, seasonal menus and dishes that feel generous, considered and consistent.

Le Strange Arms serves a diverse mix of guests – from residents and coastal visitors to weddings, events and local diners – so the ability to deliver quality at pace across varied service styles is key.

As Executive Chef, you will take full ownership of a multi-outlet kitchen operation. You will oversee the hotel restaurant within a 50-bedroom site, delivering breakfast, lunch, dinner and events, alongside the Dune Bar offering lighter coastal dining, and The Ancient Mariner pub.

You will lead and develop your team, maintain high standards across food quality and hygiene, and work closely with the General Manager and Regional Head Chef to drive performance. You’ll play a central role in menu development across all outlets, ensuring a cohesive yet flexible offering that reflects both seasonality and the character of the North Norfolk coast.

This role requires a confident, hands-on leader who thrives in a busy environment, particularly during peak coastal seasons, while maintaining strong organisation, cost control and consistency year-round. You will be responsible for delivering strong commercial performance, managing GP, labour and supplier relationships across the site.

This is a great opportunity to take on a flagship coastal operation within a growing group and make a real impact.

If you’re passionate about great food, building strong teams and leading from the front, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all kitchen operations across multiple outlets
Design and develop seasonal menus aligned to Chestnut’s food vision
Recruit, train and inspire the kitchen team, creating a high-performing environment
Ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
Manage stock control, ordering, GP and compliance across the site
Build strong supplier relationships and maintain cost control
Work closely with the General Manager to deliver a cohesive and engaged team culture

Why Join Us?

Team and individual incentives, including staff days out and trips abroad
Flexible working patterns to support work-life balance
Tips on top of competitive pay, with access to Wagestream
Perks of Working with Us
Be part of a supportive, collaborative team across the Chestnut group
Food and room discounts for you and your friends
Access to the Chestnut Hub with hundreds of high street discounts
High-quality staff food provided
Industry-recognised training and development opportunities
Employee recognition and reward schemes
Referral bonus of up to £1,500

Who are Chestnut?

Based in East Anglia, we are a growing collection of pubs with rooms and Bottle Shops. We are proud yet grounded, and always focused on doing the best for our people. Our teams are at the heart of everything we do, and we offer flexibility and opportunity to support long-term careers in hospitality.

INDCP

Executive Head Chef