Head Chef

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

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