Head Chef

Ready to lead the kitchen at a much-loved Blackheath pub?

If you’re an experienced Head Chef who loves fresh food, a busy service and leading a team, this could be your next great move.

The Hare & Billet sits right on the edge of Blackheath Common, making it a real destination for the local community – from families and friends catching up over dinner, to walkers, runners and dog owners stopping by for a drink and a bite to eat.

We're looking for a Head Chef to take the lead in the kitchen, bringing energy, organisation and a genuine passion for great pub food.

What makes The Hare & Billet different?

This isn't about ticking boxes and cooking from a standardised menu. It's about running a kitchen that feels like it belongs to its community.

Our food is all about seasonal pub classics, homemade bar snacks and hearty Sunday roasts, with quality and consistency at the heart of everything we serve.

As Head Chef, you'll have the opportunity to lead the kitchen, develop your team and make sure every plate leaving the pass represents the standards of The Hare & Billet.

What you'll be doing

• Take full ownership of the kitchen, leading from the front during busy services
• Lead, motivate and develop your kitchen team, creating a positive and high-performing environment
• Deliver consistently great food, from everyday pub classics to our much-loved Sunday roasts
• Manage kitchen standards, food safety, hygiene and compliance
• Keep a close eye on GP, stock, labour and waste to make sure the kitchen performs commercially
• Work closely with the General Manager and wider team to drive the success of the pub
• Bring your energy and experience to continually improve the food operation

What we're looking for

• Previous experience as a Head Chef 
• Experience leading a busy, fresh-food kitchen
• Someone who can genuinely lead, coach and develop a team
• Strong organisation and the ability to stay calm when the kitchen gets busy
• A passion for quality food and delivering consistently high standards
• Commercial awareness – you understand the importance of GP, labour, stock and waste
• Someone who takes pride in their kitchen and wants to make a real impact

Why Metro Pub Co?

The Hare & Billet is part of Metropolitan Pub Company, a collection of individual pubs, restaurants and hotels where every venue has its own personality and character.

You'll get the freedom and feel of a local pub, backed by the career opportunities and support of a wider hospitality group.

We’re all about rewarding our team’s hard work, that’s why…

You’ll receive a competitive salary, pension contribution as well as:

• The chance to further your career across our well-known brands – as one of the industry's top apprenticeship providers, we can provide training and development at each level of your career.
• Discount of 33% for you and 15% for your loved ones on all of our brands – so you enjoy your favourite food and drink at a discount.
• Free employee assistance program – mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
• Enhanced, family-friendly maternity and paternity policies
• Menopause Friendly Employer
• Discount of 50% for you and 25% for your loved ones at our Greene King Inns and hotels – so you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.
• Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £1,500 for referring them!
• Stream – access your wage before payday for when life happens.
• Retail discounts – Receive up to 30% off at Superdrug, exclusive discounts with Three Mobile along with many more…

CREATING PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME, SAFE AND THAT THEY BELONG

We aim to embed inclusion into every decision we make – across our people, customers, communities, suppliers, and operations. We want to create a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to thrive.