Head Chef

Part of the Rhubarb Hospitality Collection. At Cleaver & Wake, food sits at the centre of the experience. Set within a landmark building and known for its seasonal British cooking, the restaurant blends strong classical foundations with a modern, confident approach. As part of the Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, Cleaver & Wake benefits from the support, stability and reputation of one of the UK’s most respected hospitality groups while retaining its own identity, autonomy and creative focus.

We are now seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen and help drive the next stage of the restaurant’s culinary journey.

This role is ideal for a chef who wants to lead, create and inspire, while working within a clearly defined culinary framework. The core offer, pricing structure and overall direction are established. Your role is to evolve the menu creatively, refine execution and push standards forward - championing seasonality, modern techniques and thoughtful development of dishes. You will work closely with the Executive Chef & senior leadership, with full support around budgeting and compliance, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: food, people and performance.

• Lead the creative development of seasonal menus within agreed guidelines
• Deliver food that balances modern and classic techniques
• Lead from the front during service, setting standards from the pass
• Build, train and inspire a strong kitchen brigade
• Oversee ordering, rotas and daily kitchen organisation
• Cook to agreed operational and commercial targets
• Maintain excellent food safety and kitchen standards

You will be an experienced Head Chef (or Sous Chef ready for your first Head Chef role) for from a very high-quality hospitality background, with:

• A strong technical foundation and modern culinary awareness
• A passion for seasonal, produce-driven cooking
• A calm, organised leadership style
• A genuine commitment to developing people
• A clear understanding of the commercial realities of running a professional kitchen

This is a role for a chef who values structure, clarity and collaboration — and who sees creativity not as freedom without limits, but as refinement within a strong identity.