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Job Title: Head Chef
Location: The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon
Salary: £35,000 Overtime and Gratuities
Hours & Flexibility:
- 40-hour contract over 5 days per week – full availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays is essential, especially during peak seasons
- Overtime paid in addition to salary
Lead with Passion. Cook with Creativity. Work Somewhere Iconic.
The Pilchard Inn, perched on the edge of Burgh Island, is a historic coastal pub serving exceptional food in one of the UK’s most unforgettable locations. We’re looking for a talented and driven Head Chef to lead our small, committed kitchen team and help shape the next chapter of this unique destination.
Whether it’s high-volume summer service or crafting refined dishes for evening guests, this is a rare opportunity to take full creative control in a compact but dynamic kitchen – and do it all with the Atlantic on your doorstep.
About the Role:
As Head Chef, you’ll report directly to The Pilchard Manager and take full ownership of our food offering – from designing seasonal, exciting menus to managing kitchen performance and budgets. You’ll lead a small, close-knit brigade to deliver both a lively daytime menu and a more elevated dinner service, all while ensuring consistency, creativity, and quality at every turn.
You’ll be trusted to run your kitchen as your own – building a culture of pride, efficiency, and excellence that reflects the standards and setting of Burgh Island.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of creative, seasonal menus for both lunch and dinner
- Maintain high culinary standards across a busy, high-turnover kitchen
- Manage food and labour costs, including stock ordering, stock control, and payroll management
- Coach and lead a small kitchen team, fostering a positive and supportive environment
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house to ensure smooth, successful service
- Uphold strict food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience as Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
- Creative flair with a love for quality ingredients and seasonal British cooking
- Confident in managing kitchen operations, budgets, and team leadership
- A calm, focused presence in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Organised, resilient, and motivated by excellence
Accommodation:
- Subsidised live-in accommodation (subject to availability)
Important to Know:
- Due to our tidal island location, live-out applicants must have a car and a valid UK driving licence
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK – we are not able to offer visa sponsorship
Why Lead with Us?
- A rare Head Chef role in one of the UK’s most iconic island pubs
- Total creative ownership in a tight, supportive, and passionate team
- Competitive salary, monthly gratuities, and paid overtime
- Delicious staff meals and discounts across the property
- Staff wellbeing support and perks
- The chance to live and cook somewhere extraordinary
Make your mark at The Pilchard Inn. Where the setting is iconic – and the food is just as unforgettable.
