Tucked away on the high street of Bruton, Somerset, The Prickly Pear is a
Mexican-inspired British pub where high-quality, fresh ingredients and bold
flavours create a very unique and exciting dining experience. We pride ourselves
on taking inspiration Mexican, Spanish, Japanese and many other cuisines to
consistently furnish our patrons with exceptional flavours. Where possible, we
endeavour to source our produce from our dedicated organic market garden
located just a mile away from the venue and the local area in general to ensure
seasonality and sustainability.
The Prickly Pear first opened its doors to great applause in October 2022 before
closing a year later for a complete renovation and refit - a huge and much needed
project which has brought the beautiful building up to modern standards while
maintaining and enhancing its grade II listed visage.
We’ve built a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen and opened up the space to be
lighter and brighter, perfect for summer. There are two beer gardens, one of
which has a stunning view of Bruton’s famous Dovecote. Upstairs has been
converted into a bright and airy events space which has its own bar and a lazy
waiter to deliver dishes from the kitchen.
Our aim for the business is simple: create a profitable, extremely well regarded
hospitality space where everyone feels welcome to come and enjoy themselves.
We intend to reopen in July/August 2025, The Prickly Pear Team are looking for
exceptional, motivated individuals to join us on this endeavour and beyond!
Job Overview:
We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive
culinary excellence, and collaborate with our garden team to craft exceptional
menus.
As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations, delivering outstanding
Mexican fusion dishes that showcase our commitment to quality and locally grown
produce. You’ll lead a talented kitchen team, manage costs, and work closely with
our market garden to develop a growing plan that aligns with our menu vision.
While Mexican food preparation experience is a bonus, we value leadership,
creativity, and a dedication to high standards above all.
Key Responsibilities:
* Menu Development: Create innovative, high-quality menus that highlight
our Mexican-British theme, incorporating fresh produce from our market
garden and seasonal ingredients.
* Market Garden Collaboration: Work closely with our market garden team
to plan and implement a growing schedule that supports menu needs,
ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs, vegetables, and other produce.
* Food Quality & Consistency: Maintain exceptional standards for taste,
presentation, and consistency, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment
to quality.
* Menu Costing & Profitability: Develop cost-effective menus, monitor food
costs, and implement portion control to meet profitability goals while
prioritising quality.
* Staff Management: Recruit, train, and lead the kitchen team, fostering a
collaborative and motivated environment. Schedule staff to ensure efficient
operations during peak times.
* Inventory & Supplier Relations: Manage stock levels, minimise waste, and
liaise with suppliers (including our market garden) to secure premium
ingredients at competitive prices.
* Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to food safety,
hygiene, and workplace health and safety regulations, keeping the kitchen
clean and compliant.
* Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily operations, including prep, service, and
cleanup, ensuring smooth workflows and timely service during busy
periods.
* Customer Engagement: Partner with front-of-house management to
address customer feedback, accommodate dietary needs, and enhance the
dining experience.
* Culinary Innovation: Stay informed on culinary trends, particularly in
Mexican and British cuisines, to keep our menu fresh, relevant, and
exciting.
Requirements:
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality
restaurant or pub setting.
* Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a kitchen
team.
* Expertise in menu planning, costing, and inventory management.
* Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (Level 3 Food Hygiene
Certificate preferred).
* Passion for working with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an interest in
sustainable practices.
* Experience or willingness to collaborate with a market garden to plan
seasonal produce (training provided if needed).
* Creative flair for designing dishes that align with our Mexican-British fusion
concept.
* Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment, managing
multiple priorities.
* Strong communication skills to work with garden staff, suppliers, and pub
management.
* Mexican food preparation experience is a bonus but not required,
enthusiasm for learning is essential.
* Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Performance-Based Bonuses:
We offer performance-based bonuses tied to mutually agreed, achievable
outcomes, such as:
* Meeting or exceeding food cost and profitability targets.
* Driving high customer satisfaction through exceptional food quality and
positive feedback.
* Successfully integrating market garden produce into menus, reducing
external sourcing costs.
* Developing innovative dishes that increase sales and customer retention.
* Maintaining a high-performing, low-turnover kitchen team.
Bonus structures will be negotiated during the hiring process to align with
your goals and our business objectives.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
* Performance-based bonuses to reward your success.
* A unique opportunity to collaborate with our market garden, shaping menus
with fresh, sustainable produce.
* A supportive, inclusive work environment with a passionate and creative
team.
* Staff discounts on food and beverages.
* Access to professional development and training, including opportunities to
deepen knowledge of Mexican cuisine and sustainable practices.
* A platform to showcase your culinary vision and leadership in a growing
business.
Additional Information:
* This role requires a hands-on approach, balancing creative menu
development with operational efficiency.
* You’ll work closely with the general manager and market garden team to
align culinary and sustainability goals.
* A passion for sustainability and delivering memorable dining experiences is
essential.
* Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any
sample menus or dishes you’ve created (if applicable) to
pricklypearcatering@protonmail.com. Social media links showing your work are
also appreciated.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be asked to
participate in a trial shift or present a sample menu featuring market garden
produce.
Be a part of our mission to deliver exceptional, sustainable, and flavourful
dining at our Mexican-themed British pub!
Note: We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity in our team.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage early submission.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £37,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
* Bonus scheme
* Tips
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
Schedule:
* Day shift
* Night shift
* Weekend availability
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