Head Chef - Restaurant & Events Hotel

Head Chef – Restaurant & Events Hotel

Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 base salary
Tronc: Yes on top
Relocation: Short-term hotel support may be available for someone relocating

We are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a well-established, family-owned hotel and restaurant in the heart of Taunton.

This is a role with real scope.

The business has a strong local reputation, a loyal corporate following, busy weekend leisure trade, afternoon tea, events, weddings, birthdays, and five function spaces across two sites.

The restaurant is classic, with a mix of classic dishes, quality comfort food, and room to develop something more ambitious.

The hotel previously operated a fine dining restaurant, which closed in 2019. The long-term aim is to bring that side of the business back, starting with special fine dining evenings and building from there.

They need a Head Chef with spark, drive, and the ability to get the food offering back on its feet.

The Business

This is a busy hotel and restaurant operation with:

25–30 covers Monday to Thursday evenings from a strong corporate baseGood leisure trade across the weekendAfternoon tea Wednesday to Saturday, with occasional Sunday bookingsWeddings, corporate events, birthdays, and private diningFive function spaces across two sitesEvents ranging from 15–20 guests going up to 80–90 guestsA family-owned culture with a hands-on senior team

There is history here too. some of the leading chefs in the UK culinary have worked in this kitchen, and the owners now want to rebuild its food reputation with the right Head Chef.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen and work closely with the Hotel Manager to move the food offering forward.

You will be responsible for:

Leading the day-to-day kitchen operationDeveloping the French-inspired restaurant menuSupporting afternoon tea, events, weddings, and private diningBringing fresh ideas, structure, and consistency to the kitchenBuilding towards fine dining nights and future restaurant developmentManaging GP, stock, ordering, waste, and kitchen costsTraining and developing the teamCreating a positive, professional kitchen culture

The Ideal Head Chef

We are looking for someone who has:

Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step upA background in hotels, restaurants, quality pubs, or event-led operationsStrong knowledge of fresh food and seasonal menu developmentConfidence across restaurant service, afternoon tea, and eventsGood commercial understandingThe drive to rebuild and improve a food operationA calm leadership styleThe ambition to help bring fine dining back into the business

This would suit a chef who wants more than just another Head Chef job.

You will have the chance to shape the food, rebuild standards, and be part of the next chapter of a well-known family-owned hotel.

The Package

£45,000 – £50,000 base salaryTronc on topShort-term hotel support may be available for relocation3–4 days per week in the hotel may be possible short term while relocatingFamily-owned businessReal scope to develop the restaurant and events food offering