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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, develop seasonal menus, and manage a passionate team.
- Company: Charming country hotel near Lancaster, blending luxury with exceptional dining.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience, with opportunities for creativity and leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary direction of a newly refurbished venue and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experienced Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef with a passion for local cuisine.
- Other info: Exciting pre-opening phase with excellent career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Outskirts of Lancaster, Lancashire.
Job Term: Permanent.
Hours: 45 Hours.
Salary: Depending on Experience.
Live in: No.
This charming country hotel, bar, and restaurant—set beside the canal and surrounded by open countryside—is undergoing an exciting refurbishment ahead of its reopening in early 2026. With stylish contemporary rooms, traditional features, and a focus on warm hospitality, the property is being elevated into a destination that blends relaxed luxury with exceptional dining. Inspired by its rural setting and access to high‑quality local produce, the hotel champions fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby coastal and farming regions. Alongside its main restaurant and bar, it features a busy wedding and events function space, making food a central element of the guest experience.
The Role
The hotel is seeking an experienced and creative Head Chef to lead its kitchen through the pre‑opening phase and into a new era. This role offers the opportunity to define the culinary direction of a newly refurbished venue—developing menus, building a talented team, and establishing strong relationships with local producers.
Key Responsibilities
- Menu Development & Innovation
- Develop seasonal menus showcasing high‑quality local produce, including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables.
- Create bespoke menus for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events.
- Ensure consistent quality, creativity, and presentation across all dishes.
- Kitchen Leadership & Team Management
- Recruit, mentor, and inspire a passionate kitchen team ahead of opening.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high‑performing work environment.
- Uphold strong culinary, hygiene, and safety standards.
- Operational & Financial Management
- Manage kitchen budgets, including GP targets, ordering, and stock control.
- Build relationships with trusted suppliers and producers.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, allergens legislation, and HACCP procedures.
- Pre‑Opening Responsibilities
- Contribute to kitchen layout planning and equipment specification during refurbishment.
- Develop SOPs, preparation systems, and operational structures for launch.
- Lead menu testing, tasting sessions, and staff training.
- Event & Function Catering
- Oversee catering for weddings, private dining, and high‑volume events.
- Collaborate closely with events and front‑of‑house teams to deliver smooth service.
Candidate Profile
- Experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to progress.
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal, locally inspired cuisine.
- A confident leader with strong communication and team development skills.
- Highly organised, resilient, and calm under pressure.
- Skilled in kitchen financial management and operational oversight.
- Experience in both restaurant and banqueting/event catering is advantageous.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Hospitality
Head Chef - Country Hotel near Lancaster - Salary DOE employer: Chefs Recruitment (UK)
Contact Detail:
Chefs Recruitment (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Country Hotel near Lancaster - Salary DOE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, local producers, and hospitality professionals. Attend industry events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your menu ideas. This not only demonstrates your creativity but also gets you noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings—reach out directly to the hotel or restaurant you’re interested in. Express your passion for their vision and how you can contribute to their culinary journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to get your foot in the door. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Country Hotel near Lancaster - Salary DOE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local Produce: When writing your application, let us know how much you love working with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Share any experiences you've had with local suppliers or unique dishes you've created using local produce—it'll show us you're the right fit for our culinary vision!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've mentored others, fostered a positive kitchen environment, and managed a team under pressure. We want to see your ability to inspire and develop talent!
Be Creative with Menu Ideas: We’re looking for someone who can bring innovative ideas to the table. In your application, feel free to include some menu concepts or dishes that reflect your style and creativity. This is your chance to showcase your culinary flair and how you can elevate our dining experience!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a bit of personality, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language, check for typos, and structure your thoughts well. A polished application shows us you care about the role and are serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chefs Recruitment (UK)
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local produce and seasonal ingredients that the hotel champions. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into innovative menus, showcasing your passion for fresh, high-quality cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've mentored staff, fostered collaboration, and maintained high standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a passionate kitchen team.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Brush up on your kitchen financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully managed budgets, controlled stock, and built relationships with suppliers. This shows you can handle the operational side of the role effectively.
✨Event Catering Experience
Highlight any experience you have with catering for events, especially weddings and large functions. Discuss how you ensure smooth service and collaborate with front-of-house teams, as this is crucial for the hotel's event catering success.
