About Us:
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 from 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.
Weve 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 Brutons 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:
Were 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, youll oversee all kitchen operations, delivering outstanding Mexican fusion dishes that showcase our commitment to quality and locally grown produce. Youll 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.
Youll 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 youve created (if applicable). 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: £40,000.00£50,000.00 per year
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