Head Chef Wanted – The Fitzherbert Arms, Swynnerton  

Make Your Mark at One of Staffordshire’s Busiest, Award-Winning Country Pubs

Are you a passionate, driven Head Chef ready for your next big challenge? Do you thrive in a high-volume, high-energy kitchen where every service matters? The Fitzherbert Arms – proudly crowned Pub of the Year 2025 at the Staffordshire Tourism Awards – is on the lookout for a Head Chef who’s ready to lead from the front, develop a talented team, and take our food offering to the next level.

About Us:

Set in the heart of the countryside in the village of Swynnerton, The Fitzherbert Arms is a thriving, busy pub known for its warm hospitality, incredible food, and vibrant atmosphere. We’re a fresh food, seasonal kitchen serving a bustling dining room and event space – with weddings, wakes, birthdays, and major calendar events like Sustainable Seafood Week and Great British Pie Week keeping us on our toes all year round.

The Role:

We’re looking for a Head Chef who:

• Thrives under pressure and leads by example
• Loves cooking with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients
• Wants the freedom to create their own menus and shape the food identity of the pub
• Inspires and develops their team of 8 to deliver consistently high standards
• Is highly organised, quality-focused, and committed to every shift being a success
• Wants to be part of something bigger – contributing to a group that’s already celebrated in the Publican Awards, Pub & Bar Magazine, and more

Why Join Cheshire Cat Pubs?

The Fitzherbert Arms is part of the Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars family – a small, tight-knit group of beautiful destination pubs across Cheshire and Staffordshire. We’re a people-first organisation, and we truly mean it. You’ll be working directly with owners Tim and Mary, who give you the freedom to run your kitchen your way but offer genuine support when you need it.

You’ll also get:

• Involved in regular meetings, training sessions, and socials with chefs and managers from across the group
• A chance to collaborate and share ideas with peers – we believe we grow stronger together
• Access to inspiring experiences like our annual chefs’ trip abroad (Mallorca last year!), plus supplier visits and other trips to keep you fresh, engaged, and part of the wider team
• A place in a company that values creativity, connection, and celebration – we work hard, but we also have fun

What’s In It For You:

• Highly competitive salary + tips + achievable bonus scheme
• Creative freedom – full autonomy on menu development with team input encouraged
• Support and development – from a respected, award-winning hospitality group
• A great existing team ready for you to mould, lead, and grow
• Work-life balance – kitchen generally finishes service before 10pm
• Recognition and progression – with opportunities to grow within the group

This is your chance to step into a high-impact role where your skills, leadership, and creativity will be fully recognised and rewarded. Whether it’s plating up for 300 on a Sunday, mentoring your next sous chef, or collaborating on a new group-wide food initiative, no two days are the same – and that’s just how we like it.

Ready to make your mark?

Apply now and become part of a people-led pub group where great food, great people, and great pubs go hand in hand.

Job Type: Full-time