At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and craft seasonal menus showcasing local produce.
- Company: Wild Thyme & Honey, an award-winning boutique retreat in the Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Stream access, 50% off food, wellbeing support, hotel discounts, and enrichment days.
- Other info: Join a celebrated destination with excellent career growth and fun team events.
- Why this job: Express your creativity in a stunning setting while leading a passionate culinary team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with a love for seasonal British cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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?
- 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
- 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
- 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: Seasonal British Fine-Dining Leader 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, our boutique retreat offers a supportive work culture with numerous benefits including instant access to earnings, generous discounts, and tailored apprenticeship programmes to foster your career growth. Join us to lead a talented brigade in a unique culinary environment where your passion for seasonal British produce can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef: Seasonal British Fine-Dining Leader 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 your area to meet people who can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up dinner or collaborating with local restaurants to showcase your seasonal menus. This not only builds your portfolio but also gets your name out there in the culinary scene.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate social media! Share your culinary creations on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Engage with followers and other chefs to create a buzz around your cooking style and philosophy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate culinary leaders. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of standing out and showing us why you’d be a perfect fit for Wild Thyme & Honey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef: Seasonal British Fine-Dining Leader 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:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a talented brigade. Make sure to emphasise your leadership experience and how you've inspired and developed your team in past positions. We want to see how you can bring out the best in others!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your culinary skills and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit the role. Remember, we appreciate elegance in presentation just as much as in food!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us promptly and you can keep track of your application status easily. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Wild Thyme & Honey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grosvenor-Pubs-and-Inns-5
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for seasonal British produce during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've incorporated local ingredients into your menus in the past, and discuss your approach to flavour development and elegant presentation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading a kitchen team. Highlight instances where you've inspired and mentored your brigade, and be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards and foster a collaborative environment with front-of-house staff.
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your commercial awareness before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed GP, stock, and cost control in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of running a busy kitchen.
✨Emphasise Organisation and Communication
Think about how you ensure smooth operations during prep and service. Be ready to share strategies you've used to maintain calm and composed communication during busy services, as this is crucial for a Head Chef role.
