Chef de Partie in Wincanton

Up to £38,000 per annum, inclusive of tronc plus fantastic benefits. 45 hours per week across 5 days, including regular weekends and evenings. Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role.

Season‑led cooking, wood‑fired flavour and a kitchen that lives and breathes the farm. As our Chef de Partie at the Farmyard Kitchen, you’ll take ownership of your own section, transforming the freshest estate produce into vibrant, sharing‑style dishes that celebrate the land around us. You’ll work closely with our wood‑fired oven, bringing smoke‑kissed depth to a chef‑driven menu which changes with the seasons, all while supporting and mentoring junior chefs. From breakfast through to wood‑fired feasts, you’ll help deliver relaxed, elevated dining that feels connected to the farm in every bite.

Key Responsibilities

• Run your section confidently through mise en place and service, ensuring smooth operations every day.
• Prepare and cook dishes to spec, delivering consistent flavour, quality and presentation.
• Uphold all food safety, allergen and HACCP procedures, completing records accurately.
• Keep your workstation impeccably clean and organised, supporting wider kitchen cleaning schedules.
• Assist senior chefs with kitchen‑wide tasks and step up to lead designated services when required.
• Coach and guide Commis and Demi Chefs, setting clear goals and providing constructive feedback.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues and, when needed, deliver dishes to guests and explain the components.

What we can offer

• A base salary of £31,930 per annum.
• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with our complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our Discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting your wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including Fun Squad events, which include activities such as Go‑Karting and Wine Tasting, to name but a few.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full‑time team.

What we’re looking for

• Experience as a Chef de Partie or strong Demi Chef in a quality kitchen, confident running a section through prep and service.
• Strong organisational skills with solid basics in butchery, fish prep and an interest in wood‑fired cookery.
• A calm, consistent and collaborative team player with clear communication skills.
• Guest‑focused, comfortable presenting dishes and engaging professionally when needed.
• Ambitious, eager to learn and ready to grow within a creative, seasonal kitchen.
• Any experience in front‑of‑house roles, wine and spirits training or bar work is a real bonus.

Where you’ll be working

The Farmyard Kitchen feels like a place to gather, food is made for sharing, and the barn setting evokes a comforting, grounded energy. Dishes change with what’s available on the estate and seasonality so you’re really eating the land. While the setting is rustic, the cooking is thoughtful and elevated not just “farm food,” but a chef‑driven menu that celebrates the estate’s produce and is made to be shared. This is not just a country‑house hotel dining option, there’s a serious commitment to sustainability, provenance, and seasonality, but delivered in a warm, not overly formal way.

Who are we - The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.