Head Chef

Location: Woodham

Create the food story. Build the kitchen. Make your mark. This is not an opportunity to inherit a kitchen. It’s an opportunity to create one. The Crooked Billet is entering an exciting new chapter as part of Acorn Pubs, within the Brunning & Price family. Following a significant investment, the pub is being transformed into a brand-new flagship site — and we’re looking for an ambitious, creative and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen and help shape what comes next.

This is your chance to write the food story from the very beginning. A kitchen with your name on it There’s something incredibly exciting about joining a business at the point where the plans are still being written. The Crooked Billet is receiving significant investment, creating a beautifully transformed pub with a fresh identity, a new food and drinks offer and big ambitions.

As Head Chef, you’ll be at the centre of that transformation. You’ll have the opportunity to help shape the menu, build your brigade, establish the kitchen culture and set the standards that will define the food operation from day one. We want someone who can look at a blank canvas and see the possibilities. Someone who understands that great pub food doesn’t need to be complicated — it needs to be exceptional, generous, seasonal and cooked with care.

Your kitchen. Your team. Your food. You’ll take ownership of the kitchen operation, working closely with the General Manager and wider team to create an outstanding food experience for our guests. Most importantly, you’ll have the freedom to make your mark. You might already be a Head Chef looking for your next big challenge, or a talented Sous Chef ready to take that next step.

What matters is that you have the ambition to create something special. Why this opportunity? Because you’re joining at the beginning. The investment is happening now. The kitchen is being created now. The team is being built now. And the food story is yours to help write. You’ll have the creative opportunity and autonomy that comes with a new flagship site, combined with the support and backing of Acorn Pubs and Brunning & Price.

That means you can build something with your own personality and standards, while having an established hospitality business behind you. And as part of Brunning & Price, you’ll also have access to development, training and opportunities to progress your career across the wider group. This is bigger than the next job. It’s an opportunity to build a kitchen you can be proud of.

To create a food offer people talk about. To develop a team and watch them grow. To help establish a new flagship pub from day one. And ultimately, to put your stamp on The Crooked Billet. If that sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to hear from you. The Crooked Billet A new chapter.

A new kitchen. Your opportunity to write the food story. Our Offer Package up to £60k including TRONC and profit share The Extras We know you work hard so we feed you well - free meals on shift, choose from the menu! 30% discount for you, your friends and family across Acorn Pubs, Brunning & Price and our group including wagamama and selected airport pubs and restaurants.

It’s never too early to start saving for the future with a NEST pension. Protection for your family with life assurance. Great discounts via Perks on Tap saving you money on everyday purchases and more. Cycle to work scheme. Electric vehicle scheme. £1,000 referral bonus for introducing new Managers or Chefs to the company. Wagestream - use flexible pay to choose when to get paid.

Your Wellbeing – it’s important to us! Free 24-hour confidential legal and information helpline for you and your family. Bespoke wellbeing support offering free…