Head Chef

Lead the kitchen of a historic Georgian coaching inn in the heart of Kent

Steeped in history and set within the beautiful surroundings of the Garden of England , The Kings Arms, Westerham is a charming Georgian coaching inn that has been welcoming guests since 1700.

Located in the heart of this picturesque Kent market town, just moments from the historic Chartwell Manor, The Kings Arms combines traditional charm with modern hospitality. With elegant dining spaces, a cosy cellar bar that was once the old town jail, comfortable hotel bedrooms, and beautiful outdoor areas, we offer guests a truly memorable experience.

From relaxed meals and traditional pub dining to hotel stays, celebrations, and countryside escapes, our guests come to enjoy warm hospitality, quality food, and the character that makes The Kings Arms so special.

We’re now looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and continue creating the exceptional food experience our guests expect.

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the kitchen operation, leading the team to deliver fresh, seasonal food with consistency, care, and pride.

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the food offer of a much-loved country inn, creating menus that reflect the character of the venue while celebrating classic pub dining, quality ingredients, and modern touches.

Working closely with the General Manager and wider team, you’ll be responsible for driving standards, developing your chefs, and ensuring every guest enjoys an outstanding dining experience whether they’re joining us for a casual lunch, Sunday roast, special occasion, or hotel stay.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a Head Chef who understands the importance of both food and hospitality.

You’ll ideally have

You’ll be someone who enjoys building relationships, creating a positive team environment, and taking ownership of the kitchen’s success.

What does success look like?

Success at The Kings Arms means creating a kitchen team that guests and colleagues are proud of.

You’ll build a reputation for delivering exceptional food, developing your team, and ensuring every plate reflects the quality and character of this historic venue.

You’ll help make The Kings Arms a destination for locals, hotel guests, and visitors exploring Kent — a place remembered not just for its history and surroundings, but for its food and hospitality.

Responsibilities

Leading and inspiring the kitchen team to deliver excellent food every day; Creating a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, pride, and high standards; Developing menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and classic British cooking; Maintaining consistency across restaurant service, private events, and hotel dining; Managing stock, ordering, food costs, and kitchen performance; Ensuring excellent food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards; Building strong relationships with the front-of-house and wider hotel teams; Coaching and developing chefs to support their growth and progression

Requirements

Proven experience leading a fresh food kitchen; A passion for seasonal ingredients and quality British cooking; Strong leadership and people development skills; Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and food costs; The ability to create consistent standards across every service; A hands-on approach and pride in delivering great food; The confidence to bring ideas and creativity to a well-loved venue

Benefits

The opportunity to lead a historic and characterful kitchen; Career development and progression opportunities; The chance to create and influence menus; A supportive team environment; Working within a beautiful countryside location; Employee discounts; Pension contribution