Head Chef - Hotel | Exmoor/Dunster
Location: Dunster, Exmoor
Position Type: Full-time | Permanent
Start Date: 1 September 2025
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About Us:
This Hotel is a charming and historic hotel set in the heart of Dunster, Exmoor. With deep roots in our local community, we pride ourselves on delivering local food that reflects the rich bounty of the region-seasonal, honest, and packed with flavour.
Our Food Philosophy:
We believe that good food starts with great ingredients. That's why we champion locally sourced produce, work hand-in-hand with nearby farmers and suppliers, and adapt our menus with the seasons.
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Your Role as Head Chef:
We're seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen and build on our excellent reputation across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a chef who is both creative and organised, with a deep respect for seasonal, local ingredients.
You'll be responsible for:
1. Delivering quality across all services:
1. Breakfast: Create a memorable Exmoor breakfast using premium local sausages, bacon, and produce.
2. Lunch: Serve traditional, hearty dishes that appeal to visitors and day-trippers-especially dog walkers enjoying our garden space.
3. Dinner: Offer refined, seasonal evening dishes and daily specials that showcase elevated culinary skill and thoughtful presentation.
2. Menu Planning:
Lead seasonal menu changes (4x per year) and oversee regular updates and specials based on local availability and guest feedback.
3. Supplier Management:
Build strong relationships with local growers and producers through monthly check-ins and proactive planning.
4. Team Leadership:
Manage, inspire, and train a small, dedicated kitchen team. Create a positive working environment focused on consistency, efficiency, and development.
5. Cost & Compliance:
Ensure effective stock control, food costing, and GP management while maintaining top-tier hygiene and food safety standards.
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What We're Looking For:
1. Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous in a similar hotel or high-quality restaurant setting
2. Strong leadership and kitchen management skills
3. Culinary expertise across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
4. A flair for refined yet approachable seasonal cooking
5. Track record of food cost control and GP management
6. Passion for local ingredients and sustainable sourcing
7. Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations
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Why Join Us?
1. Work in a beautiful heritage property in one of the UK's most scenic areas
2. Be part of a passionate, supportive team
3. Flex your creativity with regular menu development and local food collaborations
4. Enjoy autonomy while contributing meaningfully to a community-led food vision
INDLP