At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Restaurant & Bar operation, ensuring high service standards and team training.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group with stunning locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, career development, and discounts on stays and meals.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Create unforgettable guest experiences in a beautiful country house setting.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a luxury hotel and excellent food and wine knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
- Hand Picked Hotels
- Restaurant and Bar Manager – Chilston Park Hotel
- Salary: Starting at £38,000 per annum + service charge + excellent colleague benefits
- Job Type: Full-time | Permanent | 5 days out of 7
Come and join our Team...
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Restaurant and Bar Manager at Chilston Park Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels.
Set within 77 acres of breathtaking parkland, Chilston Park Hotel is more than a captivating country house hotel - it's a place where hospitality professionals thrive.
Tucked away along tranquil, tree-lined avenues, our team delivers unforgettable weddings, stylish escapes, and exclusive events, all with a seamless blend of heritage, contemporary flair, and refined elegance.
As a member of our team, you will help create unforgettable moments for guests as they explore our tranquil parkland, celebrate special events, and enjoy our personalised service, with an emphasis on service excellence & consistency.
If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in a supportive environment, and enjoy making a real difference to someone's stay, Chilston Park Hotel offers an inspiring place to grow your career.
What will the role involve?
You'll lead the full Restaurant & Bar operation, ensuring the team is effectively resourced, trained and multi-skilled to deliver consistently high service standards.
A key part of the role is managing rotas and maintaining strong leadership presence across all outlets, aligned with budgets and forecasts.
You'll contribute to menu development and pricing, support new food and beverage concepts, and ensure guest feedback is acted upon promptly.
You'll oversee stock control, ordering, maintaining accurate records and secure storage.
Strong communication is essential — you'll run daily briefings, share F&B targets and results, and represent the department at hotel meetings.
You'll champion employee development through coaching, reviews and appraisals, fostering a positive, motivated culture with high levels of pride and commitment.
Commercial awareness is central: you'll drive sales opportunities, build productive supplier and business relationships, and actively promote the hotel's F&B offering.
Above all, you'll ensure brand standards and operating procedures are consistently met, creating a guest-focused environment built on flexibility, teamwork and exceptional service.
This is a full-time role working 5 days out of 7 including weekends on a rota basis, 40 hours per week, which may vary depending on business.
Flexible working hours can be accommodated where possible.
What's in it for you?
- A competitive salary of £38,000 per annum plus a share of service charge.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long-term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
- Ongoing career development with in-house and external training, including apprenticeships and industry-recognised courses.
- 28 days holiday per year including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days including bank holidays with length of service.
- Uniform and meals on shift provided.
- Free onsite parking (where applicable).
- Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay & Life assurance scheme.
- Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
- Discounted stays in our hotels and on food, drink, spa treatments & products.
- Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays).
- Introduction bonus for new colleague recommendations.
- Colleague of the Month awards, which leads to our annual awards ceremony.
- Regular team gatherings and appreciation events.
Are you Hand Picked?
- We are looking for proactive and enthusiastic candidates that have a willing attitude and a welcoming and friendly nature.
We thrive on excelling together to ensure as a team we deliver service, excellence and consistency, fostering a culture of collaboration, partnership & teamwork.
- You will have passion and pride in delivering exceptional, high-quality, personalised service to ensure our guests experiences are memorable.
- You will have previous experience in a similar role within a luxury hotel setting.
- Having excellent knowledge of food and wine, will be key to this role.
Who we are…
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family-owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand-picked for their individuality.
Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands.
Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delight their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the every day.
Hand Picked Hotels are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation.
A Recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Restaurant & Bar Manager in Maidstone employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, where the blend of historical charm and modern luxury creates an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, competitive pay, and ongoing training, our inclusive culture fosters long-lasting friendships and celebrates diversity, making it a truly rewarding place to thrive in your hospitality career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant & Bar Manager in Maidstone
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hand Picked Hotels Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant & Bar Manager in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hand Picked Hotels Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
