Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary

Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary

Castle Cary Full-Time 50000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting seasonal menus with fresh, estate-grown ingredients.
  • Company: The Farmyard, a luxury hotel restaurant with a focus on bold flavours and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, wellness perks, gym access, and discounts on spa treatments and dining.
  • Other info: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave and fun team activities.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in a dynamic culinary environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury setting is essential.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.

£50,000 per annum plus tronc and fantastic benefits. 45 hours across 5 days, with regular evenings and weekends. Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role. Advert closes: 27 April 2026.

Bring bold flavours to life and lead an ambitious kitchen into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities
  • Create innovative, seasonal menus using estate-grown and locally sourced produce.
  • Collaborate with estate growers to ensure a consistent supply of fresh ingredients.
  • Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
  • Oversee kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and exceptional food quality.
  • Manage food costs while maintaining outstanding guest experience.
  • Support estate-wide events and exclusive-use bookings.
  • Work closely with front of house teams to deliver seamless service.
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene standards.
What we can offer
  • A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
  • Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
  • Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
  • Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
  • Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
  • Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
  • Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
  • Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
  • Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
  • We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
  • Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
  • A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
  • Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
What we're looking for
  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a luxury hotel or similar environment.
  • Passion for seasonal cooking and working with estate-grown ingredients.
  • Experience cooking with fire and wood‑fired ovens.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing large teams.
  • An inspirational leader who communicates confidently at all levels.
  • Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
  • Commercial awareness and ability to manage food costs effectively.
  • Adaptable, hands‑on approach with a drive for excellence.

Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary employer: Farmyard Kitchen at The Newt in Somerset

At The Farmyard, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our team enjoys a range of fantastic benefits, including complimentary access to our spa facilities, generous discounts, and a supportive environment that values hard work and creativity. With opportunities to lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative dishes using estate-grown produce, this role is perfect for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in a stunning location.
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Contact Detail:

Farmyard Kitchen at The Newt in Somerset Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, suppliers, and anyone in the industry. Attend food festivals or culinary events to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary creations. This not only gets your name out there but also demonstrates your passion for seasonal cooking.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to restaurants or hotels you admire, like The Farmyard, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference.

✨Tip Number 4

Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you land that dream role, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of our resources.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary

Menu Creation
Collaboration with Growers
Team Leadership
Kitchen Operations Management
Food Cost Management
Event Support
Health and Safety Compliance
Seasonal Cooking
Fire Cooking Techniques
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Commercial Awareness
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for seasonal cooking and fresh ingredients shine through. Share any unique dishes you've created or experiences that highlight your culinary journey. We want to see your personality and passion for food!

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams in the past and any successful kitchen operations you've overseen. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others!

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like managing food costs or creating innovative menus. This helps us understand how you can bring bold flavours to life at The Farmyard Kitchen.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Farmyard!

How to prepare for a job interview at Farmyard Kitchen at The Newt in Somerset

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the estate-grown and locally sourced produce mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these ingredients into innovative, seasonal menus. This shows your passion for cooking and your understanding of the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in recruiting, developing talent, and managing large teams. This will demonstrate your strong leadership skills and ability to inspire others.

✨Discuss Cost Management

Be prepared to talk about your approach to managing food costs while maintaining quality. Share specific strategies you've used in previous roles to ensure efficiency without compromising on guest experience. This will show your commercial awareness.

✨Engage with the Front of House

Think about how you would collaborate with front of house teams to deliver seamless service. Prepare to discuss any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with other departments to enhance the overall dining experience. This will highlight your teamwork skills.

Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard in Castle Cary
Farmyard Kitchen at The Newt in Somerset
Location: Castle Cary

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