Head Chef at The Railway Inn in Winscombe

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented & experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at our 2 AA Rosette Awarded restaurant & cider house, The Railway Inn! The Railway Inn is a charming country inn nestled in the rolling Somerset countryside, just 10 miles south of Bristol. Our aim is simple: to provide high-quality food, exceptional service, and great value, all while embodying the ethos of Thatchers Cider Company, by believing in better!

What will I be doing?

• The Head Chef will be responsible for managing and controlling the kitchen operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality food, while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Oversee the smooth running of the kitchen during service and non-service times, including rotas, stock control, menu planning, food production, and presentation.
• Work closely with FOH to ensure that a high-quality service is being delivered.
• Create an imaginative and high-quality food offer with the kitchen team, delivering consistent excellence every day.
• Manage all costings and selling prices to achieve the agreed gross profit margins.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all suppliers.
• Promote Thatcher’s name and products within the menu wherever possible.
• Maintain the kitchen to the highest standards of cleanliness, meeting all hygiene, health, and safety legislative requirements, including HACCP and COSHH.
• Liaise with Thatchers Cider Company regarding any maintenance issues.
• Train and develop the kitchen team.

In the summer months we have an additional kitchen that we use to service the outdoor area. This is around 100 additional covers in the summer. During the winter months, we serve lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday in the restaurant (65 covers) and the bar (25 covers).

What are the perks?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Discounts at our cider shop and pub.
• Opportunity to work in the beautiful surroundings of our picturesque village pub.
• Training and development opportunities to help you become the best at what you do.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a similar environment.
• The ability to manage a menu to ensure that we provide the right offer for our customers.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent culinary skills with a creative flair.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Who are Thatchers Cider?

Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, we have grown into one of the top cider‑making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we’re exceptionally proud of our Somerset roots. We’ve experienced tremendous growth through industry‑leading levels of investment in our marketing, people development, innovative technology and world‑class cider mill. The best part? We’re just getting started.