At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and craft seasonal menus with local ingredients.
- Company: Award-winning boutique retreat in the picturesque Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Stream access, 50% off food, free meals on shift, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy enrichment days, hotel discounts, and long service rewards.
- Why this job: Express your creativity in a unique riverside dining setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with exceptional culinary skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a visionary culinary leader with a passion for seasonal British produce, exceptional flavour, and refined countryside dining? At Wild Thyme & Honey, an award-winning boutique retreat in the picturesque village of Ampney Crucis, we're searching for an inspiring Head Chef to lead the culinary direction at The Crown at Ampney Brook - our signature restaurant known for thoughtful menus, elegant presentation, and warm, rustic charm.
With beautifully restored 16th century architecture, natural interiors, and enchanting riverside dining domes overlooking the Ampney Brook, the setting provides the perfect canvas for a Head Chef eager to express creativity and craftsmanship in a truly unique environment. This is your opportunity to lead a talented brigade, help our central team shape seasonal menus, and deliver the culinary identity of one of the Cotswolds' most celebrated boutique destinations.
Why Lead the Kitchen at Wild Thyme & Honey?
Wild Thyme & Honey is recognised as one of the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds and the UK, offering a warm, elegant retreat where every detail is considered. We believe in rewarding great people. Here's what you'll enjoy:
- Stream Access - Track, manage, and access your earnings instantly.
- 50% Off Food & Soft Drinks - Across all our brands.
- Free meals when on shift - a selection for you to choose from when on your break.
- Wellbeing Support - Mental health, legal guidance, and financial advice.
- Retail Discounts - Enjoy savings from top brands.
- Apprenticeship Programmes - Tailored to your career goals.
- Hotel Discounts - Reduced rates at our award-winning properties.
- Enrichment Days & Team Events - Because fun matters too.
- Long Service Rewards - such as extra holidays and access to private healthcare.
- Event Space Savings - 50% off private hire bookings.
What You Bring
We're looking for a Head Chef who blends creativity, leadership, and passion:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a quality, ingredients-focused kitchen.
- A love for seasonal menus - Showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the Cotswolds.
- Impeccable culinary skill - From flavour development to precise, elegant plating.
- Leadership excellence - Able to inspire, develop, and mentor a talented brigade.
- Commercial awareness - Excel in managing GP, stock, and cost control - this is a busy site so a vital skill.
- Exceptional organisation - Ensuring smooth operations in prep, service, and handovers.
- Calm, composed communication - Leading through busy services with confidence.
- Collaborative mindset - Working closely with FOH, events, and hotel leadership.
What You'll Do
As Head Chef at Wild Thyme & Honey, you will lead the charge of culinary soul of our boutique retreat:
- Lead the kitchen team - Setting high standards for quality, presentation, and consistency.
- Assist our central team to craft seasonal menus and specials - Driven by local producers, British ingredients, and elegant simplicity.
- Inspire and train the brigade - Nurturing talent, confidence, and progression.
- Control stock & ordering - Maintaining freshness, efficiency, and cost management.
- Ensure immaculate hygiene - Uphold all EHO and best practice standards.
- Oversee dining for weddings & events - Collaborating with the events team to create memorable experiences.
- Partner with the General Manager - Supporting guest experience development.
- Protect the culinary identity - Ensuring every plate reflects the beauty, calm, and authenticity of Wild Thyme & Honey.
Ready to Lead an Exceptional Cotswolds Kitchen? If you bring creativity, heart, and a passion for refined countryside dining, we'd love to welcome you as our Head Chef at Wild Thyme & Honey - where natural beauty, warm hospitality, and extraordinary food come together.
Head Chef - Cirencester employer: Wild Thyme & Honey
At Wild Thyme & Honey, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where culinary creativity thrives amidst the stunning Cotswolds landscape. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits, including mental health support, apprenticeship programmes, and generous discounts across our properties. Join us to lead a passionate team in a beautifully restored setting, where your culinary vision can flourish and your career can grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Cirencester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Wild Thyme & Honey. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wild Thyme & Honey
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wild Thyme & Honey directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Cirencester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Wild Thyme & Honey and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Thyme & Honey
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
