Chef–Café Manager, Gordon’s Tearooms
Location: Braemar, Scotland
(Interested candidates must already have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to secure work visas for this role.)
Join us at Gordon’s Tearooms, where
tradition meets creativity in the heart of the Cairngorms. As one of the
village’s oldest establishments, we proudly serve delicious home‑cooked meals,
snacks, teas, and coffees. Our opening hours—Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.—provide fixed days off and guaranteed shift patterns.
We are looking for a talented and
driven Chef–Café Manager to lead the daily operations of our much‑loved
tearoom—overseeing both the kitchen and front of house, inspiring your team,
and ensuring outstanding guest experiences.
About the Role
As Chef–Café Manager, you will be
responsible for the smooth, efficient, and profitable running of Gordon’s
Tearooms. This is a hands‑on role that blends culinary expertise, operational
leadership, and a passion for great hospitality.
You’ll work closely with our Culinary
Director and Head of Food & Beverage to shape our recipe collection,
develop your team, and collaborate with the wider Artfarm community to deliver
exceptional quality across all aspects of the tearooms.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary & Operational Leadership
* Manage
day‑to‑day operations across both kitchen and front‑of‑house.
* Prepare
and serve dishes consistently to the highest standard.
* Develop
and maintain an inspiring recipe book in collaboration with the Culinary
Director.
* Maintain
stock levels, place orders, and complete monthly food, beverage, and CCG
stocktakes.
* Work
with the Food Control & Compliance Manager to ensure accurate recipe
costings and achievement of GP targets.
* Uphold
all food, health, safety, and welfare standards.
* Lead
café set‑up and breakdown and support wider operational needs.
Guest Experience
* Deliver
warm, attentive, and professional service in line with SOPs.
* Serve
guests directly during busy periods and confidently carry out all front‑of‑house
roles.
* Continuously
look for ways to enhance our products, service, and guest journey.
Team Leadership & Training
* Lead,
inspire, train, and support your team to deliver exceptional hospitality.
* Implement
competency checklists and develop team members to achieve their individual
objectives.
* Conduct
quarterly OpenBlend sessions and ensure all staff complete Health &
Safety inductions.
* Monitor
training compliance, SOP adherence, and guest journey standards.
Business & Compliance
* Build
weekly rotas in line with business needs and working time guidelines.
* Ensure
accurate cash handling, reconciliation, and banking.
* Work
with the General Manager to achieve weekly and monthly sales, cover
targets, and profitability goals.
* Act
as the Premises Licence Holder for Gordon’s Tearooms.
* Adhere
to all legislation, company policies, and internal procedures.
Health & Safety
* Comply
with all Health & Safety standards and procedures.
* Maintain
full knowledge of fire procedures and statutory responsibilities.
* Use
operating systems confidently, including Mapal One, Food Alert, Adaco,
Harri, OpenBlend, and COSHH requirements.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Passionate
about food, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.
* A
strong leader who can motivate and develop a diverse team.
* Organised,
proactive, and confident managing both kitchen and front‑of‑house
operations.
* Experienced
in cost control, rota planning, and achieving business targets.
* Committed
to high standards, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Why Join Artfarm?
At Artfarm, you’ll be part of a
creative, collaborative, and forward‑thinking hospitality group. You’ll work in
a stunning setting, develop strong relationships across our award‑winning
teams, and enjoy meaningful opportunities for growth.
Artfarm is an independent hospitality
company known for transforming distinctive sites into cultural destinations,
with locations across Braemar, Ballater, London, Somerset, Los Angeles, New
York, Menorca, and Switzerland. Art, community, education, and place are at the
heart of everything we do.
What We Offer
* 30
days’ holiday
* Enhanced
pension scheme
* Free
meals and drinks while on shift
* Generous
Artfarm‑wide discounts across the Scottish Highlands, Somerset, London,
Los Angeles, Menorca, and Switzerland
* Sports
and social events
* Life
Assurance
* Health
benefits, including a health cash plan
* Employee
Assistance Programme
* Tailored
career development opportunities
Ready to join the Artfarm family?
Apply today!