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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create a modern menu, and mentor a passionate team.
- Company: Brocket Hall, a historic estate reimagining its dining experience.
- Benefits: Unique setting, creative freedom, performance incentives, and leisure access.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting restaurant launch and shape a bold culinary identity.
- Qualifications: Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant.
- Other info: Collaborate with guest chefs and enjoy a vibrant kitchen culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Brocket Hall is reimagining its iconic riverside restaurant—formerly Auberge du Lac—into a vibrant new dining destination set within the historic 18th-century hunting lodge, beside the tranquil River Lea. Overlooking the grounds of the Brocket Hall estate, the new restaurant will pair contemporary design, mood-lit interiors, and a stylish modern bar with a fresh culinary direction. We are creating an atmosphere that is relaxed yet refined—modern yet respectful of its heritage—offering a sophisticated and energetic guest experience in a majestic setting. This is a rare opportunity to be part of an exciting launch that blends timeless character with a bold, new perspective on hospitality.
We are seeking an innovative, hands-on Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of this exciting new chapter. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering a compelling menu that reflects the venue's character and ambition, while overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations—from team leadership to sourcing, cost control, and quality assurance.
Responsibilities- Oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen at the new restaurant, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
- Work closely with the Estate Executive Chef to deliver the agreed culinary vision and maintain high operational standards.
- Ensure the kitchen is properly staffed, structured, and aligned to both restaurant and wider estate service needs.
- Deliver a seasonal, modern menu with consistent execution, ensuring dishes meet agreed standards for presentation and flavour.
- Contribute to new dish development, specials, and occasional bespoke menus in line with the restaurant's identity.
- Maintain accuracy, attention to detail, and quality across all sections of the kitchen during service.
- Lead and mentor the kitchen brigade, supporting training, performance, and professional growth.
- Promote a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented kitchen culture.
- Set clear expectations and lead by example during both preparation and service periods.
- Uphold all food safety, hygiene, and allergen regulations, ensuring all necessary records and procedures are in place.
- Maintain equipment, cleanliness, and kitchen systems to meet both legal and estate compliance standards.
- Take ownership of kitchen P&L performance, working to achieve agreed GP targets, control labour costs, and manage overall kitchen profitability.
- Manage ordering, stock rotation, and wastage to ensure quality and control food costs within target margins.
- Support event catering, private dining, and special occasions across the Brocket Hall estate.
- Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality, modern restaurant environment.
- Strong background in seasonal British or European cuisine, with openness to global influences.
- Passion for leading by example, mentoring junior chefs, and maintaining a calm, organised kitchen.
- Commercially aware, with experience managing food cost, GP, stock control, and labour planning.
- Familiar with modern kitchen systems, health & safety standards, and allergen compliance.
- Creative mindset with a desire to contribute to a bold, distinctive culinary identity.
- Be at the heart of a major restaurant launch while playing a key role in estate-wide luxury hospitality.
- Work in a truly unique setting across historic venues, lakeside locations, and event pavilions.
- Freedom to develop the food concept and make your mark in a high-profile, creative role.
- Opportunities for collaboration with guest chefs, special events, and estate-wide dining experiences.
- Staff benefits include performance incentives, estate-wide discounts, and access to Brocket Hall's leisure facilities.
Head Restaurant Chef at Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City employer: Brocket Hall Estate
Contact Detail:
Brocket Hall Estate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Restaurant Chef at Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at places like Brocket Hall.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting or a pop-up event to showcase your culinary creations. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Get to know Brocket Hall’s history, its dining concept, and what makes it unique. When you go for interviews, you’ll impress them with your knowledge and passion for their vision, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications that come directly from passionate chefs who are excited about joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for in a Head Chef.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Restaurant Chef at Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culinary Arts: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey, what inspires you, and how you plan to bring a fresh perspective to our new dining destination.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef. Focus on your background in seasonal British or European cuisine and any creative dishes you've developed that align with our vision for the restaurant.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead and mentor your team! Include examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture and supported junior chefs in their growth. This will show us you're the right fit for our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Brocket Hall.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brocket Hall Estate
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Brocket Hall's vision. Be ready to discuss how you would create a modern menu that reflects the restaurant's character while incorporating seasonal British or European influences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've mentored junior chefs, maintained a positive kitchen culture, and handled challenges in a high-pressure environment.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions about kitchen operations, food safety, and cost control. Brush up on your knowledge of P&L performance and be ready to discuss how you've managed food costs and labour planning in previous roles. This will show that you're commercially aware and ready to take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Bring Your Creativity to the Table
Brocket Hall is looking for an innovative Head Chef, so don't shy away from sharing your creative ideas. Prepare to discuss potential new dishes or specials that could fit the restaurant's identity. This will highlight your passion for contributing to a bold culinary direction.
