Head Chef in Newquay

Head Chef / Kitchen Manager – Fistral

A New Chapter

Fistral is entering an exciting new era as we evolve into a more drinks-led, social, beach-bar inspired destination.

To support this next phase, we’re reshaping our leadership team across both Kitchen and Front of House, and we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to help bring this new vision to life.

If you thrive in fast-paced, vibrant environments, love creating memorable guest experiences, and are passionate about developing teams, we’d love to hear from you.

As Head Chef / Kitchen Manager, you will lead the kitchen operation, setting the standard for food quality, pace, consistency, and team culture. You’ll play a key role in shaping menus, supporting the venue’s new social dining style, and working closely with Front of House to deliver an outstanding guest experience.

You’ll be a visible, hands‑on leader who inspires your brigade, drives performance, and ensures the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and commercially.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing kitchen team
• Deliver consistent, high‑quality food aligned to Fistral’s new concept
• Play an active role in menu development, specials, and seasonal dishes
• Control food margins, labour costs, and kitchen budgets
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and HACCP
• Recruit, train, and retain talented chefs
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional kitchen culture
• Work collaboratively with the General Manager and FOH leadership team
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ordering processes
• Drive continuous improvement across standards, systems, and service

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Kitchen Leader in a quality‑led hospitality business
• A genuine passion for food, drink, and guest experience
• Strong leadership and people‑development skills
• Commercially minded with experience managing GP, labour, and performance
• Excellent communication and organisational ability
• Calm, confident, and structured under pressure
• A hands‑on leader who leads from the front
• Commitment to building inclusive, engaged, and high‑performing teams
• Excited by change and the opportunity to shape a new chapter for the venue

What you’ll get

• The opportunity to influence a growing and evolving brand
• Creative input into menus, drinks, events, and guest experience
• Support from ambitious board directors and senior leadership
• Competitive salary plus progression pathway
• Development opportunities within Rick Stein Restaurants
• A chance to be part of an iconic coastal business entering an exciting new phase

If you’re ready to take the lead in a people‑focused, quality‑driven restaurant and make a real impact, apply now and join Rick Stein Restaurants.

Rick Stein Fistral is casual and laid‑back serving Rick’s famous fish & chips as well as Indian takeaway with dishes inspired by Rick’s travels. Perfectly positioned overlooking Fistral beach and bustling with hungry visitors.