Head Chef in Newquay

Head Chef in Newquay

Newquay Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create stunning seasonal menus that wow our guests.
  • Company: Scarlet Hotel, an award-winning adult-only hotel and spa in Cornwall.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, health plan, and staff discounts.
  • Why this job: Join a creative environment where your culinary skills can shine and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Enjoy a lifestyle job in a stunning coastal location with excellent career development.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

Are you a caring and thoughtful leader with a love of food that shows through in the flavours and sourcing of ingredients? Are you excited by the role of developing our team of highly skilled chefs? You love local seasonal Cornish produce - do you like to create subtlety and intensity in your menus, so your food brings people to return? We are seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen at Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall’s award‑winning adult only Hotel and Spa. You will be responsible for crafting menus across a range of food services that will surprise and delight our guests. We are looking for a leader who combines creativity with structure, is strong on kitchen management and who thrives on delivering excellence.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Lead, inspire, and mentor our high calibre kitchen brigade
  • Execute seasonal menus across all services, including Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Spa and Events
  • Oversee administrative kitchen operations including menu costing, supplier relationships, and wage controls
  • Develop new recipes and dishes that showcase individual style and seasonal Cornish ingredients
  • Collaborate closely with other operational teams to help deliver a seamless service to our guests
  • Uphold exemplary standards of food hygiene, safety, and sustainability

Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a similar level kitchen
  • Strong knowledge of modern and classic culinary techniques
  • Experience managing budgets, controlling stock, and optimising kitchen operations
  • Demonstrable experience of team management

Key Skills

  • You have real integrity as a leader – people trust you.
  • Creativity, innovation, and a flair for seasonal cooking
  • Attention to detail and consistency and teaching this to your team
  • Excellent organisational, communication, and problem‑solving skills

As a family‑owned, independent Cornish hotel, we value every member of our talented team. We offer a range of benefits and perks to reflect our commitment to making our hotels the most desirable place to work:

  • Salary range of £50,000‑£55,000 depending on experience
  • Full time, 45 hour week contract including weekends and evenings
  • Creative and collaborative working environment
  • Development, mentorship, and working within a talented team
  • Permanent contract with 28 days holiday per year (1 extra day per years’ service up to 5 years)
  • Long service scheme, including a complimentary stay after your first year
  • Discount on food and drinks, access to other hotel services through staff discount scheme
  • Local partnership discounts
  • Health Shield Healthcare plan

Perched on the dramatic Cornish coast, Scarlet Hotel is renowned for its bespoke design, refined cuisine and intimate, adult‑only atmosphere. Joining our team isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle, and every day here is truly the place you want to be.

Head Chef in Newquay employer: The Scarlet Hotel

At Scarlet Hotel, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned, independent establishment that values each member of our talented team. Located on the stunning Cornish coast, we offer a creative and collaborative working environment, competitive salary, and numerous benefits including a health care plan and generous holiday allowance, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about culinary excellence and personal growth.
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Contact Detail:

The Scarlet Hotel Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Scarlet Hotel vibe! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. Understanding their ethos and culinary style will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Bring your A-game to the tasting! If you're asked to showcase your cooking skills, make sure to highlight your creativity with seasonal Cornish ingredients. This is your chance to impress them with your flair for flavours!

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to chat about leadership! They’re looking for someone who can inspire and mentor a talented kitchen brigade. Share your experiences and how you've developed teams in the past – it’ll show you’re the right fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about their approach to sustainability and local sourcing. It’ll demonstrate that you care about the same values they do, making you a standout candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Newquay

Leadership
Creativity
Culinary Techniques
Menu Development
Seasonal Cooking
Kitchen Management
Budget Management
Stock Control
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Food Hygiene Standards
Team Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences with local Cornish produce and how it inspires your cooking. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the flavours and ingredients.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you’ll be leading a talented team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you’ve inspired and mentored others in the kitchen, and how you create a positive working environment. We’re looking for someone who can bring out the best in their team!

Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas: We love creativity, so don’t hold back! Include some of your unique menu ideas or dishes that showcase your individual style. This is your chance to impress us with your culinary flair and how you can surprise and delight our guests with seasonal offerings.

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want to see your personality, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language, check for spelling and grammar, and ensure your CV is well-structured. Apply through our website to make sure your application gets to us directly!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Scarlet Hotel

✨Show Your Passion for Food

Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of how you source local Cornish ingredients and how this influences your menu creations. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and sustainability, which is key for the role.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Style

As a Head Chef, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you inspire and mentor your team. Share anecdotes that showcase your ability to lead a high-calibre kitchen brigade and how you foster a collaborative environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Creativity

Bring along a few ideas for seasonal menus or dishes that reflect your individual style. This not only shows your creativity but also your understanding of the importance of seasonal produce in crafting memorable dining experiences.

✨Prepare for Operational Questions

Expect questions about kitchen management, budget control, and supplier relationships. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these aspects in your previous roles.

Head Chef in Newquay
The Scarlet Hotel
Location: Newquay

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