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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