
Head Chef – Independent Neighbourhood Kitchen | Claygate
Location: Claygate, Surrey
Pay: £15–£20 per hour
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Flexible shifts across a 5 Days over 7 Operation
£15–£20 per hour depending on experience
Highly flexible rota tailored around the right chef
Alternate weekends off available
Half days on weekends can be accommodated
Free or discounted meals on shift
Opportunity to run your own kitchen
Supportive independent business with a close-knit team
We are recruiting for a skilled and self-sufficient Head Chef / Sole Chef to lead the kitchen of a well-loved independent neighbourhood eatery in Claygate.
Approximately 60 covers in a relaxed casual dining environment
Primarily lunch-focused trade
Occasional evening events/private functions for birthdays and special occasions
Sole chef position, alternating with junior chefs covering days off
Lead the kitchen independently during service
Prepare and cook a fresh, seasonal menu to high standards
Manage stock ordering, rotation, and waste control
Maintain food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness
Oversee equipment checks and maintenance
Support front of house when required during busy periods
Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate
Previous experience in a similar chef position
Comfortable working as the sole chef in service
Organised, calm, and reliable under pressure
Passionate about quality food and hospitality
Fluent English with full right to work in the UK
If you’re looking for a chef role with real flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to make a kitchen your own, we’d love to hear from you.
About Chefs for Chefs
Chefs for Chefs are committed to promoting equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability.
We operate as both an employment agency and an employment business.
You can find a wide selection of vacancies on our website.

Welcome to Chefs for Chefs Ltd, a trusted staffing agency dedicated to providing top-tier hospitality professionals across the UK hospitality, care, and education sectors. Established in 2014 by former chefs Richard Barrett and Shaun Banks, Chefs for Chefs was born out of a passion for delivering exceptional service and challenging the industry norm.
At Chefs for Chefs Ltd, we specialise in offering both temporary and permanent recruitment solutions with a unique twist—no upfront fees and competitive rates starting from just 7.5%. Our mission is clear: to redefine hospitality recruitment by fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and the unmistakable Yorkshire Grit.
Our commitment extends beyond just filling roles; it's about building lasting partnerships and becoming the trusted recruitment partner of choice. Whether you're a hospitality business operator seeking skilled chefs or a hospitality professional searching for your next opportunity, Chefs for Chefs Ltd is here to support you every step of the way.
Join us in shaping the future of hospitality staffing. Discover why countless businesses and chefs across the UK trust Chefs for Chefs Ltd to deliver excellence, reliability, and unmatched service.