At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes and lead breakfast and Sunday lunch services at a stunning hotel.
- Company: Join the family-run High Force Hotel, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and free access to attractions.
- Other info: A supportive environment that encourages growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a unique venue where no two days are the same!
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for traditional English cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
High Force Hotel are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic, and creative Head Chef to join us in Upper Teesdale.
Role Purpose
Raby is a thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham. The estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
About the Role
The Chef plays a key operational role in delivering high-quality food across all services at High Force Hotel. This position combines strong day-to-day production responsibilities with specific ownership of important service periods, ensuring consistency, standards, and guest satisfaction. The role contributes directly to the kitchen’s strategic objective of maintaining excellent food service standards while supporting a structured, compliant, and professional kitchen environment.
High Force Hotel delivers traditional English cuisine in a distinctive heritage setting within Raby Estates. The kitchen culture prioritises:
- Well-executed classic dishes
- Consistency and presentation standards
- Strong hygiene and food safety discipline
- Guest-focused flexibility, including dietary and allergen requirements
- A supportive team culture that encourages development
This role is an important part of delivering that vision consistently.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Food Preparation & Service Delivery
- Prepare and deliver food to agreed standards of quality, consistency, and presentation
- Take a lead role in breakfast service, ensuring strong organization, timing, and standards
- Take responsibility for delivery of Sunday lunch service, maintaining the reputation and consistency of this established and popular offering
- Adopt and follow the existing Sunday lunch concept, ensuring standards are sustained and executed correctly
- Support food production across other services as required
- Standards & Compliance
- Follow all food safety and hygiene procedures
- Maintain a clean and organised section and working environment
- Support allergen management procedures and ensure dietary requirements are followed accurately
- Operate in accordance with the site HACCP system
- Follow all risk assessments, COSHH guidance, and safe systems of work
- Use cleaning chemicals only as directed and in line with manufacturer instructions
- Operational Support
- Follow direction from the Sous Chef and Lead Chef
- Support mise en place, service readiness, and section organisation
- Work cooperatively with the kitchen team to ensure smooth service delivery
- Contribute to reducing waste through good preparation and portion control practices
- Team Contribution
- Work positively as part of the kitchen team
- Maintain professional standards of conduct and communication
- Support a culture of consistency, discipline, and teamwork
Service Ownership – Breakfast & Sunday Lunch
This role includes defined responsibility for two key service areas:
- Breakfast Service: Ensuring efficient preparation, timely service, and consistent standards
- Sunday Lunch: Delivering one of the hotel’s most popular and established services, maintaining the existing concept, quality, and reputation
A structured handover period will be provided, with recruitment beginning in May/June and the role commencing in June/July.
Level of Responsibility
The Chef is responsible for:
- Delivering food standards during their shift
- Managing their section effectively
- Supporting compliance and safe working practices
- Leading assigned service periods (breakfast and Sunday lunch)
Team supervision and overall kitchen control remain with the Sous Chef and Lead Chef.
Key Performance Indicators – measured through 121’s & PDR’s
Success in this role will be reflected through:
- Consistent breakfast and Sunday lunch standards
- Positive guest feedback related to food quality
- Clean and well-maintained working section
- Compliance with food safety and allergen procedures
- Effective contribution to smooth service delivery
Skills Required
- Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
- Good understanding of food hygiene and HACCP principles
- Knowledge of allergen procedures and dietary requirements
- Ability to manage a service section independently
- Strong organisation and time management skills
- Experience in traditional English cuisine is desirable
Qualifications
Food safety certificate in Food Hygiene (Preferred)
Knowledge/Experience
Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
Other
The Chef is expected to demonstrate:
- Reliability and a strong work ethic
- Attention to detail in preparation and presentation
- Willingness to learn and follow direction
- Positive teamwork and professional conduct
What we have to Offer
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
- A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
- A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
- A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.
How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience, and personality to undertake this role, please apply below.
Chef at The High Force Hotel employer: Raby Estates
Raby Estates is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its volunteers, offering a unique opportunity to work in the breathtaking surroundings of Raby Castle. With a strong emphasis on community engagement and personal growth, volunteers can expect a supportive work culture that fosters meaningful connections and enriches their experience through hands-on involvement in preserving history. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors while enhancing your own skills and knowledge in a historic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef at The High Force Hotel
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the High Force Hotel and its vibe! Research their menu, understand their culinary style, and think about how you can bring your own flair to their traditional English cuisine. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the chef role. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your opportunity to showcase your creativity and ability to work under pressure, which is key in a busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the High Force Hotel team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef at The High Force Hotel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and the culinary arts shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely love what you do!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in professional kitchens, especially with traditional English cuisine. We’re keen on seeing how your background aligns with our kitchen culture and standards.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff—just the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at High Force Hotel.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raby Estates
✨Know Your Dishes
Before the interview, brush up on traditional English cuisine and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes. Think about how you would prepare them and what makes them special. This shows your passion and creativity, which is exactly what The High Force Hotel is looking for!
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
The kitchen culture at High Force Hotel prioritises teamwork. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked positively with a team in the past. Highlight any experiences where you supported your colleagues or contributed to a smooth service delivery.
✨Emphasise Hygiene and Safety
Familiarise yourself with food safety and hygiene procedures, especially HACCP principles. During the interview, mention how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their approach to menu development or how they handle dietary requirements. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your understanding of the importance of guest satisfaction.
