Job Description: Part-time Self-employed Retreat/Cover Chef
The Dreaming is an innovative and inspiring wellness retreat nestled in the heart of the beautiful Nant Caethon Valley, Mid Wales. It is a place to rest, restore, be playful, and connect with nature.
Overview of the Role
An exciting opportunity has opened up to join our vibrant team of mystical beings as a Retreat/Cover Chef.
The successful candidate will work with fresh, seasonal produce and assist our Head Chef in creating vibrant and nourishing cuisine in accordance with the seasons. During the summer months, you will also be working with fresh organic produce grown in our permaculture garden.
You will not just be joining a team – you will be joining a community of people who aim to restore the connection we have with ourselves, each other, and the world in the most magical of surroundings.
Your main responsibility is to provide our community with a healthy and nourishing menu when the Head Chef is off. You will also be expected to keep the kitchen clean, well stocked, and in full working order. Feasting and ceremony are an integral part of the experience at The Dreaming, and you will understand the importance of providing food that nourishes body, soul, and mind.
We are looking for someone creative, nurturing, and technically excellent, with experience working mainly with vegan/vegetarian menus to support our vision. Please note: we do serve meat occasionally. Meat preparation skills are desirable but not essential.
Reporting to: Head Chef
Working closely with: Head Gardener and General Manager
Job Description
Role: Retreat/Cover Chef
Pay: £13.30 per hour
Hours: 7.5–9 hours cover weekly, typically on a Sunday or Tuesday
Requirements
* Commercial or retreat culinary experience is essential
* Up-to-date Food Hygiene certificate and familiarity with current health and safety regulations
* Ability to commute to and from the retreat
* Retreat experience ideal but not essential
Responsibilities
* Work with the Head Chef to create menus
* Prepare and deliver high-quality meals and refreshments to guests
* Adapt menus to accommodate allergies and guest needs
* Delegate preparation and cleaning tasks to the Work Exchange team
* Liaise with the Head Chef to stock check and order food (occasional)
* Maintain high standards of food storage, rotation, quality, and presentation
* Ensure full compliance with health codes and regulations
Benefits
* £13.30 per hour
* Company events
* Wellbeing programme
Schedule
* 7.5–9 hour shift
* Part-time, self-employed
* Ability to reliably commute to Rhayader
Experience
* Chef: 2 years (preferred)
To Apply
If your soul is being called to this role, please send your CV and a short covering email to Suitable candidates will be invited for a trial shift to assess suitability.
Start date: ASAP
Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
Pay: £13.30 per hour
Benefits:
* Company events
* Health & wellbeing programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Rhayader: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* Chef: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person