Overview
HEAD CHEF - INDEPENDENT GARDEN CENTRE - BASED IN THE NEW FOREST, NEAR LYMINGTON - £30,000 TO £32,000 SALARY (DOE)
Leisure Solutions specialise in the recruitment of Leisure and Hospitality professionals across the UK, working with a range of businesses to attract the right people, helping businesses thrive and improving lives.
We are assisting in the recruitment of a chef to join the catering team at this independent garden centre and nursery based in the New Forest.
Head Chef (Daytime Hours, No Late Nights)
Independent Garden Centre & Nursery – New Forest (near Lymington)
Salary: £30,000–£32,000 DOE • Contract: Full-time, c.40 hours • Parking: Free on-site
Why this role?
Join a friendly, well-established independent garden centre with a large multi-use eating area and a well-equipped kitchen. Following extensive refurbishment, they’ve built a strong reputation for fresh, seasonal dishes alongside much-loved staples. They are now looking for a Head Chef who can lead the kitchen while being very much part of a small, supportive, front-and-back-of-house team.
You’ll report to the Operations Manager, take day-to-day responsibility for the kitchen, and work closely with FOH to deliver great food and warm, efficient service.
The role
* Lead the kitchen through prep and service, setting the tone for a calm, organised, friendly operation.
* Cook and oversee a jointly agreed menu of fresh, seasonal dishes plus popular classics and snacks; contribute specials and cakes when time allows.
* Collaborate with FOH and management to ensure smooth service, clear communication and happy customers.
* Own kitchen standards: food production, labelling, stock rotation, allergen control, hygiene and daily/weekly checks.
* Manage efficient and economical ordering and stock counts with agreed waste targets.
* Maintain accurate kitchen paperwork; support with EHO/HACCP documentation can be provided, as can ordering support via our EPOS.
* Train and mentor junior team members in kitchen operations.
About you
* Experienced chef with solid commercial kitchen exposure and the ability to run a kitchen during busy daytime service.
* Organised, consistent and hands-on, with excellent attention to detail and a pride in cleanliness and food safety.
* Comfortable working as a leader and a teammate—you don’t become an island; you communicate and collaborate.
* Confident across multiple sections.
* Professional communicator with colleagues and customers.
* Knowledge of kitchen health & safety, allergens and best-practice compliance (we’ll help with paperwork as needed).
What they offer
* Sociable daytime hours – no late nights.
* A permanent, full-time role (c.40 hours).
* Salary £30,000–£32,000 DOE.
* A supportive environment where chefs can express themselves within agreed guidelines—think seasonal plates and menu input.
* Benefits: company pension, employee discount, discounted/free staff meals, free parking.
* Due to location, access to a vehicle is essential.
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