We are on the hunt for some exceptional and creative talent.

Are you a Head Chef looking to take the next step in their career? We are looking for a Head Chef who has a great range of experience working at gastro pub food level. "HACKNEY'S FAVOURITE PUB & HOTEL
Much more than a hotel in the heart of Hackney, The Old Ship effortlessly delivers old school pub charm with East End cool. The burgers are infamous, the rotisserie chicken is notorious and the craft beer, real ale and cocktails will satisfy the most discerning of drinkers. Coupled with Live Sport and one of the best Sunday lunches in Hackney, the Old Ship is a must visit when you find yourself in the area."

Do you love working with only fresh ingredients and enjoy leading a kitchen to delivering great dishes enjoyed by all? Do you wish to add your distinctive creative flare to our pub classics and new innovative dishes?

Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company.

Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malcolm Heap and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.
‍
Our ethos focuses on acquiring the best sites in the right locations and recruiting exceptional talent who are as passionate about food and drink as we are. Establishing the right offer and investing in the right areas is key, whilst devoting time and attention to the team that operates those sites is a major part of that investment.

In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026

In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.
‍
Our teams play a pivotal role in creating an eclectic mix of unique establishments all with a friendly atmosphere, delicious food and great service all at the heart of what we value. Ensuring each site’s valued position within its local community. 

You Are:

• An enthusiastic, dynamic and qualified Head Chef who is ready for a new challenge.
• Able to demonstrate your experience of working with fresh ingredients and seasonal menus.
• Able to demonstrate experience of working in a professional kitchen showing a clear understanding of Health and Safety.
• Able to show a proven track record of managing the kitchen and controlling stock and GP.
• Someone with a background of dealing with high volume.
• Able to show technical skill and attention to detail
• Able to spot and resolve problems efficiently.
• Confident in your communication skills and ability to lead and motivate their teams.

What's in it for me:

• Competitive salary + bonus
• Be part of a brand new opening
• Training and development
• Career progression and promotion opportunities with regular new openings around the corner
• Get out and about, you automatically get 30% discount across all our pubs, bars and restaurants
• Team trips, regular incentives and socials – a fun, family atmosphere
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support you across those tough times
• Good people know good people - an awesome referral scheme where you can earn up to £1000 per successful referral
• Birthdays are for celebrating, so have the day off on us
• Cycle to work scheme

Interested in hearing more?

We are on the hunt for some exceptional and creative talent.

Are you a Head Chef looking to take the next step in their career? We are looking for a Head Chef who has a great range of experience working at gastro pub food level. "HACKNEY'S FAVOURITE PUB & HOTEL
Much more than a hotel in the heart of Hackney, The Old Ship effortlessly delivers old school pub charm with East End cool. The burgers are infamous, the rotisserie chicken is notorious and the craft beer, real ale and cocktails will satisfy the most discerning of drinkers. Coupled with Live Sport and one of the best Sunday lunches in Hackney, the Old Ship is a must visit when you find yourself in the area."

Do you love working with only fresh ingredients and enjoy leading a kitchen to delivering great dishes enjoyed by all? Do you wish to add your distinctive creative flare to our pub classics and new innovative dishes?

Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company.

Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malcolm Heap and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.
‍
Our ethos focuses on acquiring the best sites in the right locations and recruiting exceptional talent who are as passionate about food and drink as we are. Establishing the right offer and investing in the right areas is key, whilst devoting time and attention to the team that operates those sites is a major part of that investment.

In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026

In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.
‍
Our teams play a pivotal role in creating an eclectic mix of unique establishments all with a friendly atmosphere, delicious food and great service all at the heart of what we value. Ensuring each site’s valued position within its local community. 

You Are:

• An enthusiastic, dynamic and qualified Head Chef who is ready for a new challenge.
• Able to demonstrate your experience of working with fresh ingredients and seasonal menus.
• Able to demonstrate experience of working in a professional kitchen showing a clear understanding of Health and Safety.
• Able to show a proven track record of managing the kitchen and controlling stock and GP.
• Someone with a background of dealing with high volume.
• Able to show technical skill and attention to detail
• Able to spot and resolve problems efficiently.
• Confident in your communication skills and ability to lead and motivate their teams.

What's in it for me:

• Competitive salary + bonus
• Be part of a brand new opening
• Training and development
• Career progression and promotion opportunities with regular new openings around the corner
• Get out and about, you automatically get 30% discount across all our pubs, bars and restaurants
• Team trips, regular incentives and socials – a fun, family atmosphere
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support you across those tough times
• Good people know good people - an awesome referral scheme where you can earn up to £1000 per successful referral
• Birthdays are for celebrating, so have the day off on us
• Cycle to work scheme

Interested in hearing more?