Head Chef, Luxury Hotel Restaurant, Somerset, £50,000 per annum plus tronc and benefits We are looking for a Head Chef to lead a beautiful 40-cover hotel restaurant set within a restored dairy on a luxury country estate in Somerset.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who loves seasonal cooking, estate-grown produce, wood-fired cooking, and direct guest interaction.
The restaurant is entering an exciting new phase, with plans to grow in the near future. You will have the chance to shape the menu, develop the kitchen team, and play a key part in the restaurant's next chapter.
Due to the rural location, a driving licence is recommended.
The Role As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, You will create seasonal menus built around produce grown, reared, and foraged on the estate, alongside carefully sourced local ingredients.
The kitchen is open, guest-facing, and centred around wood-fired cooking. You will need to be confident leading from the front, communicating clearly, and building a calm, focused, and motivated team.
Key Responsibilities Create seasonal, produce-led menus with bold, memorable flavours
Lead, train, and develop a talented kitchen team
Work closely with estate growers and local suppliers
Oversee daily kitchen operations from breakfast through to dinner
Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
Manage food costs, ordering, stock, and kitchen efficiency
Support private dining, events, and exclusive-use bookings
Work closely with front of house to deliver a smooth guest experience
Maintain excellent health, safety, and hygiene standards
What We Are Looking For Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef
Background in a luxury hotel, destination restaurant, or quality-led kitchen
Genuine passion for seasonal British produce
Experience with wood-fired ovens or live-fire cooking
Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop a team
Calm, organised, and confident under pressure
Commercial awareness and strong food cost control
Hands-on approach with high standards
Confident communicating with both the team and guests
What Is On Offer £50,000 per annum plus tronc Circa 7k
Full-time role, 45 hours across 5 days
Strong benefits package
Staff meals while on site
Discounted hotel stays and restaurant dining
Access to spa, swimming pools, gym, and wellbeing classes
Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 remote GP access
Life cover at 2x salary
Retail discounts across estate and online shops
Garden membership and access to partner gardens
Cycle to Work scheme
Regular team events and recognition rewards
Up to 30 days annual leave for full-time team members
The Restaurant The restaurant is part of a luxury hotel project set within the Somerset countryside.
It has 17 guest rooms, a swimming pool, games room, honesty bar, and a 40-cover restaurant housed in a restored stone barn.
The food style is seasonal, generous, and produce-led, with sharing plates, wood-fired cooking, and a strong connection to the land around it.
Service is relaxed but polished.
The kitchen is open and interactive, with chefs often serving dishes directly to guests.
Why This Role Stands Out This is not a standard hotel Head Chef role.
You will have access to exceptional produce, a beautiful working environment, and the chance to build something with real identity.
You will suit this role if you want creative ownership, strong support, and a kitchen where the food starts with what is growing around you.
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