Head Chef

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll be responsible for leading the full kitchen operation, ensuring we deliver consistent quality across every service while maintaining the high standards expected from a busy destination pub.

This is a role for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and understands how to balance volume, quality, and commercial performance. You’ll lead from the front, developing your team, driving standards, and ensuring every guest receives an excellent food experience.

Working closely with the General Manager and wider pub team, you’ll play a key role in driving the success of The Anchor and maintaining its reputation as one of Cambridge’s must-visit venues.

Lead the kitchen of one of Cambridge’s most iconic riverside pubs

Set on the banks of the beautiful River Cam, The Anchor is one of Cambridge’s most recognisable and beloved pubs. With breathtaking views across the water towards the world-famous Mathematical Bridge and Queens’ College, we offer guests a truly unique experience combining history, hospitality, and great food.

From punting pitstops and relaxed riverside drinks to busy lunches, dinner service, and unforgettable evenings on our terrace, The Anchor is a destination venue where every day brings something different.

Our food offer is built around fresh seasonal ingredients, quality pub classics, and dishes designed to be enjoyed in one of Cambridge’s most iconic settings. Alongside our riverside terrace, classic ales, and welcoming atmosphere, we create experiences that keep locals and visitors returning time and time again.

We’re now looking for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen and lead the team in delivering exceptional food at pace.

Why join The Anchor?

The Anchor offers the opportunity to lead a truly unique venue with a story, a destination location, and a loyal customer base.

You’ll have the challenge and reward of managing a high-performing kitchen operation while being part of a pub that plays a special role in Cambridge life.

With its world-famous views, strong food offer, and busy trading environment, this is a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef who enjoys leading teams, driving standards, and delivering excellence at scale.

What we offer

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• The opportunity to lead one of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Support and training from an experienced pub team
• The chance to lead a busy, fresh food kitchen
• Employee discounts
• Pension contribution
• A supportive and collaborative working environment

If you’re an experienced Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, takes pride in standards, and wants to lead a team in one of Cambridge’s most famous hospitality destinations, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be responsible for

You’ll take ownership of:

• Leading and developing a busy kitchen team to deliver outstanding service
• Maintaining consistency and quality across a high-volume food operation
• Delivering menus to brand specification while bringing passion and pride to every dish
• Managing kitchen performance, including stock control, ordering, and food cost
• Creating a positive team culture built around teamwork, accountability, and high standards
• Ensuring excellent food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
• Working closely with front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Coaching and developing chefs to reach their full potential

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a confident Head Chef who has experience operating in a busy, fresh food environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Proven experience leading a high-volume kitchen operation
• Experience delivering fresh food at pace within a branded or structured kitchen environment
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• The ability to maintain standards during busy services and peak trading periods
• A strong understanding of stock control, food costs, and kitchen organisation
• A passion for developing teams and creating a positive working culture
• The ability to balance operational discipline with pride and creativity

You’ll be someone who enjoys the energy of a busy kitchen, takes ownership of results, and is motivated by delivering great experiences for every guest.

What does success look like?

Success at The Anchor means building a kitchen team that consistently delivers exceptional food, even during the busiest moments.

You’ll create a well-organised, motivated kitchen where standards are clear, chefs feel supported, and every service runs with confidence and consistency.

You’ll help protect the reputation of one of Cambridge’s most iconic pubs, ensuring guests continue to enjoy outstanding food alongside the unforgettable riverside setting.