Head Chef in Exeter

Head Chef in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create and execute seasonal menus while leading a passionate kitchen team.
  • Company: The Dragon Inn, a historic inn in the stunning Brecon Beacons.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and temporary relocation accommodation available.
  • Other info: Opportunity to lead a creative kitchen in a thriving, tourist-friendly venue.
  • Why this job: Showcase your culinary talent in a beautiful location and make a name for yourself.
  • Qualifications: Proven Head Chef or experienced Sous Chef with a passion for fresh food.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: The Dragon Inn, Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons

Salary: Competitive Salary + Bonus for increased revenues + Temporary relocation accommodation available if required

The Venue & The Vision

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Crickhowell, The Dragon Inn is a thriving 15th-century inn boasting 15 boutique bedrooms and a consistently busy, high-quality restaurant. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Brecon Beacons, we benefit from a highly affluent local demographic and a massive year-round influx of tourists who are hungry for exceptional dining experiences. We have the location, we have the history, and we have the footfall. Now, we are looking for the culinary visionary to match.

The Opportunity

This is not a corporate, cookie-cutter kitchen. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, experienced Head Chef to truly make a name for themselves. We want to give you the platform to put yourself and The Dragon Inn on the map. With the incredible Welsh larder right on our doorstep—from world-class local meats to artisan cheeses and seasonal produce—you will have the freedom to showcase your talent and draw food lovers from miles around. If you are looking for a venue where your name and your food will be celebrated, this is it.

What You Will Do:

  • Menu Creativity: Contribute & execute high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced menus that appeal to both our affluent local regulars and visiting tourists.
  • Kitchen Leadership: Build, train, and mentor a passionate kitchen team, fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and creativity.
  • Drive Standards: Maintain impeccable standards of food hygiene, quality, and presentation across all services, from hearty breakfasts for our 15 rooms to evening dining.
  • Commercial Management: Manage food costs, negotiate with local suppliers, and run a highly efficient, profitable kitchen without compromising on quality.

About You:

You are a proven Head Chef (or a highly experienced Sous Chef ready for the step up) with a background in high-quality, fresh-food environments. You possess a strong commercial acumen and know how to balance creativity with gross profit margins. You are a natural leader who leads from the front, inspiring your team rather than ruling by fear.

What We Offer:

  • A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
  • Creative input over the menu and kitchen operations.
  • The backing of an owner who is ready to invest in your vision and market your success.
  • A beautiful working environment in one of the UK’s most desirable locations.
  • Temporary live-in accommodation available for the right candidate for a short period of relocation (not available long term).

Ready to make your mark?

If you are ready to take the reins of a historic kitchen and build something truly special, we want to hear from you. No sponsorships considered, right to work in the UK essential.

Head Chef in Exeter employer: Dragon Inn Crickhowell

The Dragon Inn offers an exceptional opportunity for culinary professionals to thrive in a stunning location surrounded by the Brecon Beacons. With a focus on creativity and quality, we provide a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation, alongside competitive salaries and performance bonuses. Join us in a historic venue where your culinary talents will be celebrated and your vision can flourish.
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Contact Detail:

Dragon Inn Crickhowell Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Exeter

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, spend some time at The Dragon Inn. Taste the food, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will help you understand their vibe and show them you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your creativity! Prepare a few menu ideas that highlight local ingredients. Bring these along to your interview to demonstrate your culinary vision and how you can elevate their dining experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to talk numbers! Brush up on your commercial management skills. They’ll want to know how you can keep costs down while still delivering top-notch dishes. Have some examples from your past experiences ready to share.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Dragon Inn.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Exeter

Menu Creativity
Kitchen Leadership
Food Hygiene Standards
Quality Control
Presentation Skills
Commercial Management
Cost Management
Supplier Negotiation
Team Building
Mentoring
Culinary Expertise
Fresh Food Preparation
Creativity in Cooking
Strong Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about the opportunity at The Dragon Inn. We want to see your personality and passion for creating exceptional dining experiences!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Chef role. Highlight your experience in high-quality kitchens, your leadership skills, and any creative menu ideas you've implemented. We’re looking for someone who can bring their unique flair to our kitchen, so don’t hold back!

Be Specific About Your Vision: In your cover letter, be clear about your vision for the menu and how you plan to use local ingredients. We want to know how you’ll make The Dragon Inn a must-visit destination for food lovers. Paint a picture of what you can bring to the table (literally)!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Dragon Inn!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dragon Inn Crickhowell

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the local produce and suppliers in the Brecon Beacons area. Being able to discuss specific ingredients and how you would incorporate them into your menus will show your passion for the role and your commitment to quality.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare a few menu ideas that highlight your culinary vision. Bring along examples of dishes you've created in the past, or even a sample menu that reflects your style. This will demonstrate your ability to innovate while aligning with the restaurant's ethos.

✨Leadership Style Matters

Be ready to discuss your approach to leading a kitchen team. Share examples of how you've built and mentored teams in the past, and how you foster a culture of respect and creativity. This is crucial for a Head Chef role, so make it personal and relatable.

✨Understand the Business Side

Brush up on your commercial acumen. Be prepared to talk about how you manage food costs, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure profitability without compromising quality. This will show that you can balance creativity with the business needs of The Dragon Inn.

Head Chef in Exeter
Dragon Inn Crickhowell
Location: Exeter

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