At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create an exciting menu, and inspire a passionate team.
- Company: Join Kip & Nook, a unique boutique hotel in stunning North Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Earn £17/hour, enjoy staff discounts, and access wellness facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a people-first team that values creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a brand new restaurant and shape its identity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef with a passion for Italian cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 39780 - 39780 £ per year.
Albertos Farmhouse is opening. No fuss, just honest food, good company, and a seat at the table for everyone. We're looking for a Head Chef who gets it and wants to make it their own. Albertos Farmhouse is the newest addition to Kip & Nook, a boutique luxury glamping and lifestyle destination set across 250 acres of stunning North Yorkshire countryside, just 10 minutes from Darlington. Italian-inspired, farmhouse-rooted, Alberto's serves brunch and dinner seven days a week to hotel guests and local visitors alike. This isn't a corporate kitchen. This is a place where food is cooked with care, served with warmth, and built around the belief that a great meal should feel like coming home.
THE ROLE
This is a rare opportunity. Genuine creative and operational ownership of a brand new restaurant within one of North Yorkshire's most exciting independent venues. You'll set the menu, lead the team, shape the kitchen culture, and take Albertos to the next level. We're not looking for someone to maintain the status quo. We're looking for someone with the vision, skill and drive to build something they're genuinely proud of. Alongside Albertos, we have The Workshop, our bar and social hub at the heart of the Kip & Nook site. The kitchen will also cater for the Workshop menu, which is small snacks and pizzas.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Creative & Menu: Creative ownership of the development of the menu. We have our launch menu, and we need a passionate Chef to design, develop and evolve dishes that reflect Alberto's Italian-inspired farmhouse identity. Drive seasonal specials and new concepts, keeping the offering fresh, considered and exciting. Work closely with our Marketing Manager to showcase dishes, specials and kitchen stories across our channels.
- Leadership & Team: Lead, mentor and inspire a seasoned K&N team of three chefs and two kitchen assistants. Foster a positive, high-performing kitchen culture built on respect, craft and pride. Support the ongoing development of your team, identifying opportunities for growth. Rotas and scheduling based on Events & Bookings, in collaboration with your team.
- Operations & Standards: Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and kitchen safety, ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation. Own the quality and consistency of every service. Oversee stock management, supplier relationships and ordering alongside your team. Monitor food costs and margins, and minimise waste. Ensure the kitchen is always clean, organised and operating to the standard Albertos deserves.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, or a Senior Chef ready and hungry to step up.
- A genuine passion for Italian-inspired, local ingredient-led, quality-driven cooking.
- Strong leadership! Someone who brings the best out of the people around them.
- Solid understanding of food hygiene, allergen management and kitchen compliance (Level 3 Food Hygiene preferred).
- Commercial awareness - food costs, margins and supplier relationships.
- A creative, entrepreneurial spirit - someone who sees this as an opportunity to build something, not just fill a role.
- Flexibility across brunch and dinner service, including weekends.
SCHEDULE
- Day and evening shifts
- Weekend availability required
- 45 hours per week
WHAT YOU'LL GET
- £17 per hour (£39,780 p/a)
- 45-hour contract
- Full creative and operational ownership of the kitchen and menu
- Staff discounts on food and drinks
- Pension contributions & competitive holidays
- Discounted stays at Kip & Nook for you and your loved ones
- Access to our on-site wellness facilities - saunas, ice baths and padel courts (and a gym... coming soon!)
- A people-first team that values personality as much as skill
- The chance to be part of something genuinely exciting, and put your stamp on it from day one.
ABOUT KIP & NOOK
Kip & Nook is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel and lifestyle venue set within 250 acres of North Yorkshire countryside. From our unique cabins and glamping pitches to our padel courts, yoga studio, sauna, ice bath and cinema room - we're constantly growing, and our food offering is no exception. We invest in our team, we value personality as much as skill, and we create an environment where people can genuinely develop and thrive!
Head Chef employer: Kip and Nook
Contact Detail:
Kip and Nook Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around Kip & Nook and soak in the vibe. This will help you connect with the team and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their unique atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along a few ideas for seasonal specials or menu concepts that reflect Alberto's Italian-inspired identity. This will demonstrate your passion and vision for the role, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about leadership! Think of examples where you've inspired your team or fostered a positive kitchen culture. They want someone who can lead and develop others, so share your experiences and how you can bring that to Albertos.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Kip & Nook family right from the start. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for Italian-inspired cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what makes you excited about leading a kitchen like Alberto's.
Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas: Since this role is all about creative ownership, don’t hesitate to include some of your own menu ideas in your application. We want to see your vision for the dishes that could make Alberto's truly special!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully managed a kitchen or mentored other chefs. Show us how you bring out the best in others!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and ensure you’re part of this exciting journey from day one!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kip and Nook
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and any seasonal specials. Think about how you would evolve the dishes to reflect Alberto's Italian-inspired farmhouse identity. Be ready to share your ideas on new concepts and how you’d keep the offering fresh and exciting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss how you foster a positive kitchen culture and support your team's development. They want to see that you can inspire and bring out the best in others.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality Cooking
Express your genuine passion for Italian-inspired cooking and using local ingredients. Share stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to quality-driven food. This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about creating a dining experience that feels like home.
✨Understand the Business Side
Be prepared to discuss food costs, margins, and supplier relationships. Show that you have a solid understanding of kitchen compliance and food hygiene standards. They’ll appreciate a candidate who not only cooks well but also understands the operational side of running a successful kitchen.