At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen team, create seasonal menus, and maintain high food standards.
- Company: Simonstone Hall Hotel, a stunning country house hotel in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share of tips, staff discounts, and accommodation available.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities and a supportive kitchen team await you.
- Why this job: Shape the restaurant's identity and make a real impact with local produce.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 25290 - 30910 £ per year.
Pay: £36,000.00-£45,000.00 per year (Tips in Addition equiv to ~£2k/annum)
Simonstone Hall is a beautiful 20-bedroom country house hotel in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with restaurant, bar, outdoor grills, lounges, terrace and a small number of exclusive-use weddings and events.
We are now looking for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help define the next chapter of food at Simonstone Hall.
Our Food Direction
Our ambition is simple: Fresh. Local. Seasonal. Delicious. We want to create food that feels completely at home in an upbeat, contemporary Yorkshire country house hotel — informal and generous, but delivered with real skill, consistency and care.
The Opportunity
This is not simply a Head Chef vacancy. We are looking for someone who wants to shape a restaurant, build a reputation and put their own stamp on the food at Simonstone Hall. You will have genuine influence over menus, suppliers, kitchen culture and the future direction of our food offering.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or equivalent senior kitchen leader
- Strong restaurant and hotel kitchen experience
- A genuine passion for local produce, provenance and seasonality
- Excellent culinary skills and strong practical cooking ability
- Confidence developing and costing menus
- Strong kitchen management, organisation and stock-control skills
- Experience managing suppliers and food purchasing
- The ability to train, motivate and retain a positive kitchen team
- Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of kitchen margins
- Creativity without unnecessary complication
- Calmness, consistency and strong leadership during service
- A collaborative approach with the wider hotel and front-of-house team
Responsibilities
- Developing seasonal menus and the overall Simonstone food direction
- Leading and motivating the kitchen team
- Maintaining consistently high standards of food and presentation
- Managing food costs, margins and kitchen budgets
- Supplier relationships, ordering and stock management
- Kitchen rotas and staffing
- Recruitment, training and development of chefs
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards
- Working closely with the hotel management and front-of-house team
- Delivering restaurant, bar, lounge, breakfast and event food consistently
- Helping develop new food concepts and opportunities as the business grows
What We Offer
- Excellent salary — negotiable depending on experience
- Approx. 45-hour working week
- Four-day weeks through summer where possible
- Three consecutive nights off through winter where possible
- Share of guest tips
- 33% staff discount on food and drink
- Family & Friends discounts, including hotel stays
- Accommodation available
- Established and supportive kitchen team
- Excellent local supplier network
- Genuine creative control and influence
- Opportunity to develop the Simonstone Hall restaurant identity
- Stunning Yorkshire Dales lifestyle and location
- Significant scope for progression as the business grows
- Long-term position with an independent owner-operated hotel
The Future
There are some genuinely exciting plans ahead for Simonstone Hall and the wider business. We are looking for a Head Chef who wants to be part of that journey rather than simply take another kitchen job.
Immediate start available for the right candidate, although we are happy to wait for the right person.
Head Chef employer: Morgan King
Morgan King is an excellent employer, offering competitive pay and immediate start opportunities for skilled Fire Door Joiners in Hartlepool. With a strong focus on employee support and compliance, we foster a collaborative work culture that values safety and professional growth, ensuring our team members have the tools and resources they need to succeed in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Morgan King. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Morgan King
Don't be shy about reaching out to Morgan King 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
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 Morgan King 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 Morgan King
✨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!
