Head Chef in Cardiff

Head Chef in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 12000 - 13600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pasture Restaurant Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences.
  • Company: Vibrant restaurant in Cardiff focused on live-fire cooking and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, share of Tronc, 28 days holiday, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and regular team events.
  • Why this job: Join a creative environment where your culinary skills can shine and grow.
  • Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for high-quality food.

The predicted salary is between 12000 - 13600 £ per year.

Salary: £40,000 base + £12,000–£13,600 in Tronc (on average). 100% of Tronc is distributed directly to staff, averaging a total potential earnings of over £53,600 annually.

Be Part of the Experience at Parallel. Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, Parallel is a vibrant and immersive dining destination that sits alongside its renowned sister restaurant, Pasture. Built around the theatre of live‑fire cooking and exceptional hospitality, Parallel offers a dynamic, high‑energy experience where guests can enjoy beautifully crafted food, outstanding drinks, and a front‑row seat to the action. Our intimate dining room is centred around an open kitchen and chef's counter, allowing guests to watch the team work their magic while enjoying a menu of expertly crafted small plates and Parallel favourites. The menu evolves monthly, showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients from Wales and the West Country, ensuring every visit offers something new to discover.

Adding to the experience is the exciting new Parallel Bar – a sleek and stylish cocktail destination in its own right. Here, guests can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, carefully selected wines, premium spirits, and delicious nibbles while watching the theatre of our talented bartenders at work. Whether stopping in for pre‑dinner drinks, settling in for an evening with friends, or making the bar the main event, Parallel Bar offers an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

At Parallel, creativity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything we do. We're always looking for passionate, talented individuals who want to be part of a team dedicated to delivering memorable experiences and pushing the boundaries of what hospitality can be.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Lead, train, and develop a focused, motivated kitchen team
  • Create a strong, inclusive culture where people grow and take pride in their work
  • Manage all kitchen systems: prep, ordering, GP, stock, rotas, and compliance
  • Maintain full food safety and cleanliness standards, always five‑star EHO ready
  • Run clear, calm, high‑energy services with consistency and control
  • Interact confidently with guests at the kitchen bar and lead hospitality from the pass
  • Work closely with the front‑of‑house team to deliver a smooth, unified guest experience
  • Set the creative and professional tone for everything that happens in the kitchen

You:

You’re passionate, focused, and deeply committed to doing things properly, from how a tomato is sliced to how a new chef is trained. You lead with clarity, keep a cool head under pressure, and care about the team as much as the food. You understand that great kitchens are built on great culture, and you set that standard every day. You’re confident on the pass, calm in the chaos, and proud of the energy and care you bring to your work. Whether it’s service, systems, or standards, you own it.

Benefits:

  • Hourly rate includes competitive share of Tronc: 100% distributed to staff
  • 28 days holiday, including bank holidays
  • 20% off food and drink in our restaurants for up to six people
  • Opportunity for growth and progression
  • Long service benefits
  • 1 day of paid volunteering per year, with a charity of your choice
  • Regular staff trips to our farm and to our suppliers
  • Employee assistance program provided by Hospitality Action
  • Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
  • Wagestream
  • Company events and parties

Head Chef in Cardiff employer: Pasture Restaurant Ltd

At Parallel by Pasture, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of Cardiff. As Head Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also enjoy competitive earnings with a generous share of Tronc, ample growth opportunities, and a supportive environment that values creativity and craftsmanship. With benefits like 28 days of holiday, staff discounts, and regular team events, you'll be part of a dynamic experience that celebrates both culinary excellence and personal development.

Pasture Restaurant Ltd

Contact Details:

Pasture Restaurant Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cardiff

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 Pasture Restaurant Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Pasture Restaurant Ltd

Don't be shy about reaching out to Pasture Restaurant 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 Head Chef in Cardiff

Leadership
Team Development
Kitchen Management
Food Safety Standards
Culinary Creativity
Communication Skills
Guest Interaction

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 Pasture Restaurant 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 Pasture Restaurant 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!