At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious, seasonal dishes in a stunning vineyard café.
- Company: Exciting new café opening in a beautiful Nottinghamshire vineyard.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and the chance to shape menus.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting events.
- Why this job: Join us to make a real impact on local dining experiences in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for a challenge.
The predicted salary is between 28575 - 34925 £ per year.
Developing an English wine estate in South Nottinghamshire.
Location
Nottinghamshire
Venue
80-cover destination café on a working vineyard with additional outdoor seating for 40 covers.
Contract
Permanent
Hours
45 hours per week
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a destination café set within a beautiful Nottinghamshire vineyard.
Opening in late Spring 2026, our café will serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks, alongside private and corporate events, with a strong focus on local, seasonal produce and community hospitality.
This is a hands‑on role, ideal for a chef who enjoys creating thoughtful, approachable food in a relaxed but high‑quality environment.
The Role
- Lead and supervise the kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations and high‑quality food production.
- Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to meet established standards and customer expectations.
- Develop innovative menus in collaboration with management, incorporating locally sourced and seasonal ingredients as well as current culinary trends.
- Create and execute menus for events and corporate bookings.
- Manage ordering, stock control, food costs, and GP.
- Lead, train, and motivate a small kitchen team in areas such as food preparation techniques, safety procedures, and service standards.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain rigorous hygiene standards across the kitchen.
- Work closely with front‑of‑house and management to deliver great guest experiences.
- Play a pivotal role in maintaining a vibrant and efficient kitchen environment.
- Stay updated on industry developments to continuously improve culinary offerings.
About You
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Background in café, casual dining, or daytime‑led hospitality.
- Passion for seasonal food and local provenance.
- Organised, calm, and commercially aware.
- Confident leading a small team in a hands‑on role.
- Experience with events or corporate catering is a bonus.
What We Offer
- Permanent position, 45 hours per week, depending upon business levels.
- Predominantly daytime service with varied event work and the future potential for evening service.
- The opportunity to contribute to strategic plans to grow the business including evening events such as pop‑up, demonstrations and speciality food and drink events.
- Opportunity to shape menus and food direction.
- Supportive, community‑focused working environment.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Beautiful rural vineyard location.
Interested?
Apply with your CV and a short note about your experience and approach to food.
- Seniority level
- Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type
- Full‑time
- Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
- Industries
- Wineries
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef in Keyworth employer: Wolds Wine Estate
Join us as a Head Chef at our stunning vineyard café in Nottinghamshire, where you'll lead a passionate kitchen team in crafting seasonal, locally-sourced dishes. Enjoy a supportive, community-focused work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while working in a beautiful rural setting that fosters creativity and innovation in culinary arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Keyworth
✨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 Wolds Wine Estate. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wolds Wine Estate
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wolds Wine Estate 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 in Keyworth
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 Wolds Wine Estate 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 Wolds Wine Estate
✨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!
