63 Best head chef Jobs in Staplefield (August 2026)

We are seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our newly re-opened pub, serving a mix of classic English dishes and authentic Italian-inspired food. This is a hands-on role for a chef who enjoys working with fresh ingredients, balancing hearty pub favourites with well-executed Italian classics. The Role • Full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Pub will open Tuesday through to Sunday lunch. Closed Sunday night and all day Monday and Tuesday., • Delivering menus combining traditional English pub food with Italian dishes, • Managing stock, ordering, GP control and minimising waste, • Ensuring high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and consistency The Ideal Candidate • Proven experience as a Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up, • Confident cooking both English and Italian cuisine, • Passion for fresh, well-presented food, • Strong leadership and organisational skills, • Excellent understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance What We Offer • Competitive salary (depending on experience). Flat above the pub to live in., • Opportunity to shape menus and put your own stamp on the kitchen, • Supportive management and a stable, well-established pub, • A friendly working environment with loyal local customers in a beautiful Sussex village. If you’re a motivated chef looking for a role where you can showcase both British and Italian cooking, we’d love to hear from you

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The Oak Barn Restaurant

The Oak Barn is currently one of the Top-Rated, Fresh Food Restaurants in Sussex. It is a Privately Owned, Family Run, 150 Cover Restaurant & Bar, situated in Mid-Sussex, close to Haywards Heath & Burgess Hill. Our freshly made Rosette standard seasonal menu is key to our business. It features modern British cuisine that combine the classics alongside more contemporary dishes. We also run specials which change daily. In addition to this we also cater for large group bookings, weddings & buffets so there is always plenty of variety. We are currently looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join our talented team to continue providing fantastic quality fresh dishes. The ideal candidate will have a passion creating exciting & innovate dishes from locally sourced fresh ingredients with great attention to detail. The candidate must be able to relish in a fast-paced environment & have competent background in gastro pubs or restaurants. The ideal candidate will have experience in hospitality, restaurants & gastro pubs. Why work for The Oak Barn: Excellent Pay & Bonuses / Family Run Business Fantastic Tips / Flexible Shifts / 2.5 Days Off Per Week Fresh Produce & Cooked To Order / No Two Days Are the Same Great Training & Progression Prospects / Great Lifestyle Balance A Relaxed & Fun Atmosphere / Brigade Of 8 Chefs / Weekly Pay Finish Approx. 9.15pm Weekdays, 7.30pm Sundays Progression Prospects: Very experienced Chef Team who are willing to encourage, motivate, teach & train Opportunities for development & promotion NVQ training courses are available for those wishing to further develop their career Learning about maintaining GP’s & targets set by the business & Head Chef Opportunity to learn the skills on different sections Responsibilities: Checking the cleanliness, organisation & standards within the kitchen Assisting the brigade in the smooth, safe & efficient running of the kitchen operation To assist the Head chef in the training of younger members of the team Responsible for the day to day running of any given section Demonstrating a committed approach & maintain a consistent service in the kitchen Assisting the Head chef in the development of both the menus & daily specials Ensuring the quality of food is of the exceptional standard expected Be aware of health & safety, hygiene regulations & help maintain to a high standard Help with ordering daily, whilst keeping in mind stock usage, menu planning & business levels Running of the kitchen in conjunction with the Head Chef Effective communication with front of house Food Service Times: Food served Monday – Saturday 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9pm Food served Sunday 12pm-7pm

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The Oak Barn Restaurant

Junior Sous Chef - (One of Sussex’s Best) *Up to £40K Package – 45+hours - 2.5 days off - 3 evenings off / week* The Oak Barn Restaurant – Mid Sussex Ready to Lead One of Sussex’s Best? This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Sussex’s most highly regarded independent restaurants. If you are ready to bring your creativity, leadership & culinary expertise to The Oak Barn, we would like to hear from you! Apply today & join a restaurant where passion meets excellence Benefits of working for us: • Tips & bonuses (weekly paid, average + £6,000 annually*), • Work-life balance: 2.5 days off weekly & 9.15pm* finish times, • 4.5 days over 7* (mix of splits & straights), • 3 evenings off a week*, • 45-50 hours a week*, • Working Hours*: 9.15am – 3.30pm – Break – 5.30pm – 9.15pm, • Flexible shifts with lifestyle-friendly hours, • Family-run & supportive atmosphere with a hardworking & passionate, “work hard … play hard” culture, • Experienced chef team About Us The Oak Barn Restaurant is a family-run, independent, top-rated 150-cover Restaurant & Bar in Mid Sussex. We pride ourselves on creating Rosette-standard modern British cuisine, combining timeless classics with contemporary flair. Our menus are seasonal, locally sourced & freshly prepared to order, with daily specials & catering for weddings, buffets & large group bookings. The Role We are seeking a dynamic & passionate Junior Sous Chef to join our busy kitchen. This is a perfect role for someone looking to develop their skills, gain hands on experience with structured mentoring. Food Service Times • Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm, • Sunday: 12pm – 7pm, • Out of the kitchen by approx. 9.15pm weekdays, 7.30pm Sundays* Responsibilities • Work closely alongside senior team to learn & improve, • Assist the brigade in service & preparation, • Run kitchen sections & oversee standards of service & food, • Create & develop seasonal menus & daily specials, • Efficiently plan & coordinate events, weddings & buffets, • Prepare, cook & present fresh food to Rosette standard, • Manage ordering, stock control, GP awareness & cost control, • Uphold Health & Safety & Hygiene regulations, • Collaborate effectively with the Front of House team, • Ensure cleanliness, organisation & high standards across the kitchen The Ideal Candidate • Solid & proven Chef experience in restaurants or gastro pubs, • Strong background in high-quality & fresh-produce kitchens, • Creative flair with seasonal produce & menu innovation, • Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment, • Committed, consistent & detail-oriented work approach, • Own transport essential, • No accommodation provided – UK-based applicants only *On rare occasions, such as specific days or weeks of the year, or when necessary, work hours, shift coverage, pay & schedules may change.

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