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 accommodation available.
- Other info: Join a supportive owner eager to invest in your vision.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary talent in a beautiful location and make a name for yourself.
- Qualifications: Experienced Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef ready for a challenge.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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 Gloucester employer: Dragon Inn Crickhowell
Contact Detail:
Dragon Inn Crickhowell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit The Dragon Inn if you can. Check out the atmosphere, the menu, and even chat with staff or customers. This will help you tailor your ideas and show that you're genuinely interested in making a mark there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few unique dish ideas that highlight local ingredients from the Welsh larder. Presenting these during your interview will demonstrate your passion for the role and your understanding of what makes the area special.
✨Tip Number 3
Talk about your leadership style! Be ready to share examples of how you've built and inspired kitchen teams in the past. The Dragon Inn is looking for someone who can foster a culture of excellence, so make sure to highlight your mentoring skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to discuss your commercial acumen! Be prepared to talk about how you've managed food costs and negotiated with suppliers in previous roles. This will show that you can balance creativity with profitability, which is key for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and creativity shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for using local ingredients and crafting exceptional dishes that reflect the beauty of the Brecon Beacons.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in high-quality kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team, so don’t forget to mention your mentoring skills and how you’ve built a positive kitchen culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for The Dragon Inn. Share your vision for the menu and how you plan to attract both locals and tourists. Make it personal and engaging!
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 you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on making your mark with us!
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 positive kitchen culture. This is crucial for a role that requires both creativity and strong leadership.
✨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.