Chef

Lympne Castle; Hythe; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Lympne Castle is seeking an experienced Chef to craft exquisite menus for weddings, corporate events, and private dinners within our historic castle. You will collaborate with the Head Chef and management to deliver outstanding cuisine, ensure top-notch presentation, and maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety.

Ideal candidates have at least 1 year of chef experience, prefer fine dining event background, and can work weekends and evenings in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a chef.
• Experience in fine dining for events is an asset.
• Passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Extensive knowledge of classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
• Self-motivated and disciplined; solutions-oriented.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required.
• Have a safety-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop and execute menus for events and dining experiences.
• Prepare and present dishes of the highest quality with excellent taste, texture and presentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and adhere to food safety standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff as needed and foster a positive work environment.
• Stay updated with culinary trends and innovations to enhance offerings.

Skills

Fine dining

Event cooking

Menu development

Food safety

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

This position will be responsible for crafting exquisite and innovative dishes that reflect the rich heritage and elegance of our historic castle. You will work closely with the Head Chef, the culinary leadership team and the castle’s management team to create and prepare exceptional menus that cater to a variety of events, including but not limited to weddings, corporate gatherings, private dinners and public dining experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Co-develop and execute menus for various events and dining experiences, incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients;
• Prepare and present dishes of the highest quality, ensuring excellent taste, texture, and presentation;
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to food safety and hygiene standards;
• Supervise kitchen staff (as needed), providing guidance and fostering a positive work environment;
• Stay update with culinary trends, techniques, and innovations to continuously enhance the castle’s dining offerings.

This is a 7-day /week hospitality operation. As such, weekend and evening work will be required.

To Be Considered, The Following Criteria Need To Be Met:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a chef, preferably in fine dining for events and restaurants;
• Banqueting and wedding experience is an asset;
• Passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences;
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills;
• Extensive knowledge of classical and contemporary cooking techniques;
• Self-motivated and disciplined;
• Solutions-oriented;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment;
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required;
• Have a safety-first mind set.

Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £30,000-£35,120 per year DOE.

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Please note that obtainable references will be required.

At Lympne Castle, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. Our recruitment process reflects this ethos. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, or national origin, we see your uniqueness as your strength. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, can be themselves, and thrive professionally.