Head Chef - Creamery Restaurant - Bruton, Somerset

Head Chef - Creamery Restaurant - Bruton, Somerset
Full time - 5 days per week Salary - up to £50,000 dependent on experience plus quarterly bonus

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.

The Creamery Restaurant

The Creamery Restaurant will be a blend of restaurant, deli and retail store. It will welcome visitors to this part of Somerset, and wave passengers off on journeys around the UK. With a big nod to the golden age of travel.

The restaurant will quickly become a unique dining destination, where patrons will enjoy watching artisan cheesemaking as they eat. This transparency is a signature of the Newt and the new offer will sit comfortably within the F&B portfolio.

Reminiscent of traditional European market eateries, there will be a counter for a quick espresso and deli snack to go, alongside a table service menu featuring plates of Somerset specialities, shining a light on the craftmanship of the Newts produce, with a focus on Cheesemakers, Butchers & Growers. The all-day offer will include options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At full capacity the Caf will be able to seat circa 80. A terrace and garden provides additional amenity and seating during fine weather, adding approximately 30 seats to the 50 internal.

What we are looking for:

Our Head Chef will ensure smooth and efficient running of the Kitchen across the Station Cafe. They will be a creative character and will be responsible for the creation of menus for our restaurant where the prime focus on cheeses and dairy products from the Creamery as well as those reared and foraged on our estate. Responsible for a team of approximately 16 and interconnected with the other food and beverage outlets on the estate, we are looking for an inspirational leader who communicates well at all levels. Service will consist of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and will also have a grab and go element. With a total seating across both inside and outside at around 80 covers. Communication with our guests is also an integral part of the role in our open kitchen environment and is actively encouraged across the whole team at every level, therefore it would be an advantage to have worked in a similar open kitchen.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages day to day operations so they are consistently delivered to the highest standards of compliance, efficiency and quality
• Achieve budgetary targets regarding sales and costs, with focuses on not only COGs but wastage and other operational expenses.
• Works closely with the Restaurant Manager and their team to create a positive environment of inclusiveness and teamwork at all levels
• Responsible for recruitment, training, development and retention
• Responsible for all health, safety and hygiene in the department and retaining our 5* Hygiene rating at all times
• Utilise the tools at their disposal to create a beautiful seasonal menu that fully reflects the estate and our local suppliers
• To look at the kitchen from a full360 and strive to constantly improve and increase our sustainability, reduce wastage and improve out environmental consciousness
• To be a key driver in moving the Creamery business forward by contributing and participating in strategic and creative developments within the business
• Maintains high visibility with customers and team and supports any activities to raise the levels of awareness of the hotel, estate and its cuisine
• Assists in the creation of a learning culture within the team and supporting them to develop their talents to the highest level possible, in conjunction with HR

What are we looking for in our New Head Chef

Someone with an eye for detail and quality and who can react positively and quickly to change

Someone with a proven track record in a fast paced, high quality restaurant or hotel at Head Chef level for a minimum of two years

• To have a very good working knowledge of local (Somerset) seasonal ingredients.
• Ability to work with multiple departments and utilise them accordingly
• Be comfortable and confident talking to our guests
• Confident yet approachable with outstanding leadership skills
• Great time management, self-motivating and driven
• Great business acumen
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Microsoft Office and good tech skills
• Willingness to develop, grown and keep up with the demands of our developing business
• Passion for food, beverage and luxury hospitality
• Portrays a standard of behaviour, which incorporates impeccable conduct and smart personal appearance

What we can offer

• 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% of 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.
• The opportunity to ensure your views are heard and shape the future of the business via our Employee Engine Room.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• 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
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities including monthly Gather and Grow Motivational Speakers and our regular 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