At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create seasonal menus with local produce.
- Company: Award-winning boutique retreat in the picturesque Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Instant earnings access, 50% off food, wellbeing support, and hotel discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy enrichment days, team events, and long service rewards.
- Why this job: Express your culinary creativity in a stunning riverside setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with a passion for seasonal British cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary culinary leader with a passion for seasonal British produce, exceptional flavour, and refined countryside dining? At Wild Thyme & Honey, an award‑winning boutique retreat in the picturesque village of Ampney Crucis, we’re searching for an inspiring Head Chef to lead the culinary direction at The Crown at Ampney Brook – our signature restaurant known for thoughtful menus, elegant presentation, and warm, rustic charm.
With beautifully restored 16th‑century architecture, natural interiors, and enchanting riverside dining domes overlooking the Ampney Brook, the setting provides the perfect canvas for a Head Chef eager to express creativity and craftsmanship in a truly unique environment. This is your opportunity to lead a talented brigade, help our central team shape seasonal menus, and deliver the culinary identity of one of the Cotswolds’ most celebrated boutique destinations.
Why Lead the Kitchen at Wild Thyme & Honey?
Wild Thyme & Honey is recognised as one of the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds and the UK, offering a warm, elegant retreat where every detail is considered. We believe in rewarding great people. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:
- Stream Access – Track, manage, and access your earnings instantly.
- 50% Off Food & Soft Drinks – Across all our brands.
- Free meals when on shift – a selection for you to choose from when on your break.
- Wellbeing Support – Mental health, legal guidance, and financial advice.
- Retail Discounts – Enjoy savings from top brands.
- Apprenticeship Programmes – Tailored to your career goals.
- Hotel Discounts – Reduced rates at our award-winning properties.
- Enrichment Days & Team Events – Because fun matters too.
- Long Service Rewards – such as extra holidays and access to private healthcare.
- Event Space Savings – 50% off private hire bookings.
What You Bring
We’re looking for a Head Chef who blends creativity, leadership, and passion:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality, ingredients‑focused kitchen.
- A love for seasonal menus – Showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the Cotswolds.
- Impeccable culinary skill – From flavour development to precise, elegant plating.
- Leadership excellence – Able to inspire, develop, and mentor a talented brigade.
- Commercial awareness – Excel in managing GP, stock, and cost control – this is a busy site so a vital skill.
- Exceptional organisation – Ensuring smooth operations in prep, service, and handovers.
- Calm, composed communication – Leading through busy services with confidence.
- Collaborative mindset – Working closely with FOH, events, and hotel leadership.
What You’ll Do
As Head Chef at Wild Thyme & Honey, you will lead the charge of culinary soul of our boutique retreat:
- Lead the kitchen team – Setting high standards for quality, presentation, and consistency.
- Assist our central team to craft seasonal menus and specials – Driven by local producers, British ingredients, and elegant simplicity.
- Inspire and train the brigade – Nurturing talent, confidence, and progression.
- Control stock & ordering – Maintaining freshness, efficiency, and cost management.
- Ensure immaculate hygiene – Uphold all EHO and best‑practice standards.
- Oversee dining for weddings & events – Collaborating with the events team to create memorable experiences.
- Partner with the General Manager – Supporting guest experience development.
- Protect the culinary identity – Ensuring every plate reflects the beauty, calm, and authenticity of Wild Thyme & Honey.
Ready to Lead an Exceptional Cotswolds Kitchen? If you bring creativity, heart, and a passion for refined countryside dining, we’d love to welcome you as our Head Chef at Wild Thyme & Honey – where natural beauty, warm hospitality, and extraordinary food come together.
Head Chef in Cirencester employer: Grosvenor-Pubs-and-Inns-5
At Wild Thyme & Honey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity, craftsmanship, and the well-being of our team. Located in the stunning Cotswolds, we offer a supportive work culture with numerous benefits including instant access to earnings, generous discounts, and tailored apprenticeship programmes to foster your growth. Join us in a picturesque setting where you can lead a talented brigade and create memorable dining experiences while enjoying a fulfilling career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cirencester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, local producers, and food enthusiasts. Attend culinary events or workshops in the Cotswolds to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This is a great way to demonstrate your passion for seasonal British produce and get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! Contact Wild Thyme & Honey through our website and express your interest in the Head Chef position. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the restaurant’s culinary style and ethos. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of refined countryside dining and how you’ll lead the kitchen team to success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seasonal Produce:When writing your application, let your love for seasonal British ingredients shine through. Share specific examples of how you've used local produce in your previous roles to create exceptional dishes.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you inspire and develop your team! Include anecdotes that showcase your leadership style and how you've nurtured talent in the kitchen. This will help us understand your approach to managing a brigade.
Be Clear and Organised:Just like in the kitchen, clarity is key in your application. Make sure your CV and cover letter are well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your achievements and skills.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grosvenor-Pubs-and-Inns-5
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you’re well-versed in seasonal British produce and the local suppliers in the Cotswolds. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your menus, showcasing your passion for quality ingredients.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading a kitchen brigade. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed your team, and how you handle busy services with calm and composed communication.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Vision
Think about how you would craft seasonal menus that reflect the culinary identity of Wild Thyme & Honey. Be prepared to present a few ideas or concepts that highlight your creativity and understanding of elegant presentation.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on your commercial awareness, especially regarding GP, stock management, and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed these aspects in previous roles, as this is crucial for a busy site like The Crown at Ampney Brook.
