Head Chef – 57‑seat restaurant in Witney

About the role

The Blue Boar, a historic 57‑seat restaurant in Witney, is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead its culinary team. You will be responsible for creating a seasonal Mediterranean‑inspired menu, overseeing kitchen operations, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refresh menu items using fresh, traceable produce.
• Manage day‑to‑day kitchen activities, including ordering, stock control and health & safety compliance.
• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff, including pizzaiolos and grill chefs.
• Maintain consistency and excellence across all dishes, from Josper‑grilled plates to wood‑fired Neapolitan pizza.
• Collaborate with front‑of‑house teams to deliver a seamless dining experience.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a senior chef in a high‑volume restaurant setting.
• Strong passion for Mediterranean cuisine and seasonal cooking.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Required skills

• Proficiency with a Josper charcoal grill.
• Experience operating a wood‑fired pizza oven.

What we offer

• Salary up to £45,000 per year, including tronc and cash tips.
• Free meals on shift and a 30% discount across Acorn Pubs, Brunning & Price, Wagamama and selected airport venues.
• Comprehensive benefits: NEST pension, life assurance, wellbeing support, legal helpline, gym discounts, and flexible pay options.
• Career development programmes, leadership courses and opportunities to move between pubs within the group.