At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, develop menus, and manage events at a family-owned hotel.
- Company: Well-established hotel in Taunton with a strong local reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tronc, relocation support, and a chance to shape the food offering.
- Other info: Opportunity to create a positive kitchen culture and develop your culinary vision.
- Why this job: Be part of a culinary revival and bring fine dining back to life.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: A GBP 45,000 : A GBP 50,000 base salary
Tronc: Yes on top
Relocation: Short-term hotel support may be available for someone relocating.
We are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a well-established, family-owned hotel and restaurant in the heart of Taunton. This is a role with real scope. The business has a strong local reputation, a loyal corporate following, busy weekend leisure trade, afternoon tea, events, weddings, birthdays, and five function spaces across two sites. The restaurant is classic, with a mix of classic dishes, quality comfort food, and room to develop something more ambitious. The hotel previously operated a fine dining restaurant, which closed in 2019. The long-term aim is to bring that side of the business back, starting with special fine dining evenings and building from there. They need a Head Chef with spark, drive, and the ability to get the food offering back on its feet.
The Business:
- 25-30 covers Monday to Thursday evenings from a strong corporate base
- Good leisure trade across the weekend
- Afternoon tea Wednesday to Saturday, with occasional Sunday bookings
- Weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and private dining
- Five function spaces across two sites
- Events ranging from 15-20 guests going up to 80-90 guests
- A family-owned culture with a hands-on senior team
- There is history here; some of the leading chefs in the UK culinary have worked in this kitchen, and the owners now want to rebuild its food reputation with the right Head Chef.
The Role:
- Leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
- Developing the French-inspired restaurant menu
- Supporting afternoon tea, events, weddings, and private dining
- Bringing fresh ideas, structure, and consistency to the kitchen
- Building towards fine dining nights and future restaurant development
- Managing GP, stock, ordering, waste, and kitchen costs
- Training and developing the team
- Creating a positive, professional kitchen culture
The Ideal Head Chef:
- Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
- A background in hotels, restaurants, quality pubs, or event-led operations
- Strong knowledge of fresh food and seasonal menu development
- Confidence across restaurant service, afternoon tea, and events
- Good commercial understanding
- The drive to rebuild and improve a food operation
- A calm leadership style
- The ambition to help bring fine dining back into the business
This would suit a chef who wants more than just another Head Chef job. You will have the chance to shape the food, rebuild standards, and be part of the next chapter of a well-known family-owned hotel.
The Package:
- A GBP 45,000 : A GBP 50,000 base salary
- Tronc on top
- Short-term hotel support may be available for relocation
- 3-4 days per week in the hotel may be possible short term while relocating
- Family-owned business
- Real scope to develop the restaurant and events food offering
Head Chef : Restaurant and Events Hotel in Taunton employer: TipTopJob
Join a well-established, family-owned hotel and restaurant in the heart of Taunton, where you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic kitchen team and shape an exciting food offering. With a strong local reputation and a commitment to quality, this role offers a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and the chance to develop your culinary vision while rebuilding the fine dining experience. Enjoy the benefits of a hands-on senior team, opportunities for professional growth, and the unique advantage of working in a vibrant community known for its events and leisure trade.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef : Restaurant and Events Hotel in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry contacts. Attend local food events or culinary workshops in Taunton to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also demonstrates your ability to create an exciting menu.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the hotel and restaurant you’re interested in. Express your passion for their kitchen and how you can contribute to their vision of fine dining.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Head Chef role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and gives you a better chance to stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef : Restaurant and Events Hotel in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that spark that makes you the perfect fit for our kitchen!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in leading kitchens, developing menus, and managing events. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, so don’t be shy about showcasing your unique style!
Be Clear About Your Vision:In your application, share your vision for the restaurant and how you plan to elevate our food offering. Whether it’s fine dining nights or seasonal menus, we want to know how you’ll help us rebuild our reputation and create memorable dining experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our family-owned business!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with classic French dishes and seasonal ingredients that could inspire the restaurant's menu. Be ready to discuss how you would develop the current offerings and bring back fine dining.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The ideal candidate will have a calm leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, especially during busy service times or events. Highlight your approach to training and developing staff to create a positive kitchen culture.
✨Understand the Business Side
A strong commercial understanding is crucial for this role. Brush up on how to manage GP, stock, and kitchen costs. Be prepared to discuss strategies for minimising waste and maximising profit while maintaining quality.
✨Bring Fresh Ideas to the Table
This position requires someone with spark and drive. Think about innovative ideas you could implement to enhance the food offering, especially for events and afternoon tea. Be ready to share your vision for the future of the restaurant and how you plan to rebuild its reputation.
