Head Chef

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. The Highbury Barn Tavern is a welcoming, independent community pub just a stone’s throw from Highbury Fields. We are dedicated to exceptional service, quality produce, and a true sense of hospitality, embracing the essence of a traditional British pub.

With charming period features, our pub is the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or meal with friends. Join us for a buzzing atmosphere on game day, when the Arsenal F.C. faithful gather before and after fixtures, or on Sundays for Islington’s best roast.”

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 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.

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 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.
 

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. The Highbury Barn Tavern is a welcoming, independent community pub just a stone’s throw from Highbury Fields. We are dedicated to exceptional service, quality produce, and a true sense of hospitality, embracing the essence of a traditional British pub.

With charming period features, our pub is the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or meal with friends. Join us for a buzzing atmosphere on game day, when the Arsenal F.C. faithful gather before and after fixtures, or on Sundays for Islington’s best roast.”

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 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.

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 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.
 

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?