Castle Inn Head Chef

We are actively seeking a new Head Chef to help prepare and cook delicious, award-winning food for our beautifully charming Castle Inn in Castle Combe. Castle Combe is a picture perfect village set in beautiful Cotswold countryside; a film location for War Horse, Doctor Dolittle and Stardust.

The Castle Inn is next to The Manor House Hotel, part of a fabulous collection of hotels, venues, spas, a golf club and a cookery school in the Southern counties of England, run by a great team of people.

You will be responsible for overseeing the food and kitchen operations for the restaurant and will lead and inspire the kitchen and service teams with a culture that delivers an amazing guest experience.

Menu development will be an important part of this role with a thorough understanding and passion for fresh food and flavours. We need to deliver food that sits at a two AA rosette standard and is worthy of a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Having a key eye for local and current food trends will be integral to this role.,

• Be the face of the kitchen at the Castle Inn, leading and inspiring the kitchen and service teams to deliver amazing guest experiences


• Create original and great tasting seasonal food menus


• Motivate the kitchen team to deliver a consistently high standard of food preparation and cooking


• Hold regular inspirational product and skill focussed training sessions for the kitchen and service teams


• Lead the recruitment of chefs and kitchen porters


• Establish great relationships with food suppliers and work closely with the Manager to negotiate contracts and keep an eye out for food support opportunities from third party brands for events at the Inn.


• Ensure the kitchens are compliant with Food Safety/Health & Safety regulations and to manage and uphold regular cleaning and kitchen maintenance schedules to deliver a five star FSA rating.


• Work closely with the Manager, marketing and events teams for the effective food operation throughout service and for all events.


• Ensure that systems for stock management are adhered to and that stock levels are maintained in all kitchens with stock rotation taking place


• Implement and maintain food wastage control within all kitchens


• Promote the concept of the Castle Inn with passion and enthusiasm to all of the team.


• Have a sound working understanding of all costs and charges relating to food operations and ensuring food cost of sales and GP margins are maintained at budgeted levels



• Control the operational excellence of a busy and demanding kitchen, ensuring the Standard Operating Procedures for the kitchens are fully understood and followed at all times.


• Control wage percentages in line with budget Plan holidays for the team effectively.


• Oversee all ordering, stock controls and standards of procedures


• Participate fully as a team member within the F&B Department


• Attend daily meetings promptly as required and to attend weekly function sheet meetings.


• Be responsible for ensuring all kitchen equipment and machinery is in working order and all repairs are reported and monitored


• Assist the Manager in monthly department meetings