At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to create delicious, seasonal dishes from local produce.
- Company: The Bridges Pub, a family-owned farm-to-table pub in beautiful rural Shropshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff meals, 28 days holiday, and accommodation options.
- Other info: Join a small, dedicated team where your creativity and leadership truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable dining while showcasing exceptional ingredients.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management, food safety, and a passion for regenerative practices.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Bridges Pub, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, UK is a regenerative farm-to-table pub that serves honest food grown on our regenerative farm or sourced from local producers who share our values. Our menus change daily, driven entirely by what's available from the farm, garden, and surrounding area. If you believe food should be local, seasonal, sustainable, and above all delicious, this could be the role for you.
The Role
This is a tough, demanding, and responsible position. You'll be the heart of the house, building and leading a small but mighty kitchen team that works in harmony to produce beautiful food showcasing exceptional ingredients. Working alongside the General Manager and the wider management team, you'll be responsible for quality, consistency, budgets, margins, and all aspects of health and safety in the kitchen. You'll work directly with our head gardener to understand what's available, getting creative during both times of glut and scarcity. You'll communicate with the farm manager about livestock, liaise with aligned local suppliers, and be responsible for delivering the Linley Estate message through food. Minimal waste isn't just a goal-it's essential, with recycling and composting at every opportunity.
What We're Looking For
- A natural leader who communicates clearly and confidently
- Ability to nurture and develop a team, encouraging creativity and collaboration
- Commitment to training and educating staff in our ethos and approach
- Willingness to get creative with what's available, even when that means digging deep
- Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety, and maintaining 5 star standards
- Enthusiasm for sourcing from the farm and garden above all else
- Confidence catering to various dietary requirements, especially gluten free and vegan/vegetarian
What You'll Do
- Lead daily menu planning driven by farm and garden availability
- Build and maintain a strong, collaborative kitchen team
- Hold regular appraisals and demonstrate duty of care for your team's wellbeing
- Manage rotas, stock control, and ensure the kitchen is adequately staffed
- Organise team development activities—supplier visits, foraging trips, garden work
- Work closely with front of house to maintain exceptional service standards
- Present at weekly management meetings and attend regular estate meetings
- Be present during our busiest times—key weekends and holidays
- Support with events, guest chef slots, and private hires
What We Offer
- Salary of £40,000‑£50,000 depending on experience, with accommodation available if required
- 28 days holiday entitlement
- Staff meals, tips, and pension contributions
- 48 hour working week
- The opportunity to cook with incredible farm grown produce and build menus around what's truly in season
- Creative freedom within our farm to table ethos
- A collaborative environment where your ideas and leadership will shape the kitchen
- The chance to be part of a regenerative farming estate with genuine values
- Working in beautiful rural Shropshire
- Small, dedicated team where everyone matters
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification
- Allergen awareness training
- Full UK driving licence (essential due to rural location)
- Experience managing budgets, food costs, and achieving strong GP margins (70% blended menu GP)
- Passion for organic, sustainable, and regenerative food practices
Head Chef in Shrewsbury employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Bridges Pub in Ratlinghope, Shropshire, is an exceptional employer that champions a farm-to-table ethos, offering Head Chefs the unique opportunity to lead a kitchen focused on sustainability and local produce. With a commitment to employee growth through creative freedom, team development activities, and a collaborative work culture, you will thrive in a supportive environment where your culinary vision can flourish. Enjoy competitive salary packages, staff meals, and the chance to work amidst the stunning rural landscape of Shropshire, all while being part of a family-owned estate dedicated to regenerative farming practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Shrewsbury
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited 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 Head Chef in Shrewsbury
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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!
