
Head Chef – The Bull, Wanstead
£44,000 - £46,000 + Tronc OTE £47k - £49K + Quarterly Bonus.
Lead a growing food business, not just a kitchen
We're looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Bull in Wanstead, one of the most exciting opportunities in our established independent hospitality business .
This isn't just a kitchen leadership role. It's a chance to take ownership of a food business that is being actively invested in and expanded.
The Bull has recently relaunched its large outdoor garden, complete with a brand-new outdoor kitchen and vibrant outdoor food concept. Think summer vibes, outdoor dining, music, events and great food at the heart of the guest experience. Further significant investment is planned inside the pub this year, expanding the operation and creating an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef to grow with the business.
If you're passionate about fresh produce, cooked-to-order food, developing people and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
About The Bull
The Bull is a beautiful listed building and former bank at the heart of the Wanstead community.
Located on Wanstead High Street, just 100 yards from the Tube station, it combines character, community and ambition. Alongside our recent garden transformation, exciting plans are underway to further develop the pub and grow our food offer.
The Bull is part of Livelyhood, an established and growing owner and operator of independent neighbourhood business where hospitality is at the heart of everything we do.We currently have 7 sites.
About You
You'll be an ambitious, experienced Head Chef who:
Loves fresh food and high standards
Enjoys leading and developing teams
Has strong organisational and communication skills
Understands food safety, HACCP and Health & Safety requirements
Thrives in busy, quality-focused kitchens
Wants to play a key role in growing a food business
Previous Head Chef experience is essential for this role. Experience leading a fresh-food kitchen delivering £10k+ weekly food sales would be advantageous.
What You'll Do
Lead, inspire and develop your kitchen team
Deliver consistently great food and service
Manage ordering, stock and food cost controls
Maintain excellent food safety and kitchen standards
Create and deliver seasonal specials
Support menu development and innovation
Work closely with the GM to actively drive the next stage of food growth at The Bull
What We Offer
Competitive salary of £44,000 - £46,000
Tronc currently tracking at approximately £3,000 per year. OTE £47k - £49K
Quarterly Head Chef bonus scheme - £1,500 per quarter
Supportive working environment with 45-hour weeks as the norm
Milestone rewards and recognition programme
40% food and drink discount for you and three guests from day one
Hospitality and retail discounts through Hospitality Rewards
Access to earned pay on demand
Employee assistance and wellbeing support
Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to lead a growing food operation, make a real impact and be part of an ambitious independent pub business with exciting plans for the future – including the development of our own food brand.
We review applications as they arrive, so please apply as soon as possible.
Applicants must have a UK bank account and the right to work in the UK.

Independent, inviting and right up your street, Livelyhood’s neighbourhood pubs are fast becoming South London’s best-loved locals.
The Regent Balham, The Perky Nel Clapham, The Mere Scribbler Streatham, The Old Frizzle in Wimbledon, The Faber Fox in Crystal Palace The Artful Duke in Bromley and The Ros Hue in Elephant & Castle are all venues with their own unique charm, yet all of them are built on the foundations and traditions of what makes a great pub; delicious food any time of day, teams who go above and beyond the call of duty, and providing a warm welcome, every time you set foot through the door.
With more new openings planned for the months ahead we are on the hunt for brilliant people to make this all happen so don't hesitate to get in touch!