Head Chef, Open fire restaurant - Somerset

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 flavoursLead, train, and develop a talented kitchen teamWork closely with estate growers and local suppliersOversee daily kitchen operations from breakfast through to dinnerMaintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentationManage food costs, ordering, stock, and kitchen efficiencySupport private dining, events, and exclusive-use bookingsWork closely with front of house to deliver a smooth guest experienceMaintain excellent health, safety, and hygiene standards

What We Are Looking For

Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ChefBackground in a luxury hotel, destination restaurant, or quality-led kitchenGenuine passion for seasonal British produceExperience with wood-fired ovens or live-fire cookingStrong leadership skills and the ability to develop a teamCalm, organised, and confident under pressureCommercial awareness and strong food cost controlHands-on approach with high standardsConfident communicating with both the team and guests

What Is On Offer

£50,000 per annum plus tronc Circa 7kFull-time role, 45 hours across 5 daysStrong benefits packageStaff meals while on siteDiscounted hotel stays and restaurant diningAccess to spa, swimming pools, gym, and wellbeing classesEmployee Assistance Programme with 24/7 remote GP accessLife cover at 2x salaryRetail discounts across estate and online shopsGarden membership and access to partner gardensCycle to Work schemeRegular team events and recognition rewardsUp 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.