Chef at The High Force Hotel

Raby Estates; North East; On-site; GBP 28,800 - 35,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday, including statutory holidays

Group Pension Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets

Complimentary access to Raby Castle and attractions

Job summary

Raby Estates is seeking a passionate Head Chef to join the High Force Hotel team in Upper Teesdale. This role involves delivering high-quality food and managing kitchen operations. You will ensure guest satisfaction by maintaining consistent culinary standards and leading breakfast and Sunday lunch services.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in a professional kitchen, a solid understanding of food hygiene, and experience in traditional English cuisine. The position offers a salary of £32,000 per annum and various employee benefits including a pension scheme and discounts at Raby outlets.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a professional kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of allergen procedures and dietary requirements.
• Ability to manage a service section independently.

Responsibilities

• Delivering food standards during their shift.
• Ensuring efficient preparation, timely service, and consistent standards.
• Leading assigned service periods (breakfast and Sunday lunch).

Skills

Experience working in a professional kitchen environment

Good understanding of food hygiene and HACCP principles

Knowledge of allergen procedures and dietary requirements

Strong organisation and time management skills

Experience in traditional English cuisine

Education

Food safety certificate in Food Hygiene

Job description

High Force Hotel are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic, and creative Head Chef to join us in Upper Teesdale.

Job Title: Chef

Department: Leisure and Tourism

Location: High Force Hotel

Hours: Full Time – Permanent

Rate of Pay: £32,000 per annum

Job Ref: VA240-2026

About Raby

Raby is thriving, family-run estate under the stewardship of the Vane family, with a rich heritage and a forward-looking vision. Steeped in history, Raby Castle is surrounded by over 200 acres of beautiful parkland in County Durham, Raby has been home to generations of the Vane family and remains a vibrant destination offering tourism, hospitality, and events throughout the year.

In addition to Raby Castle and its grounds, the estate also includes High Force Waterfall, one of England’s most spectacular natural attractions, and the High Force Hotel, which offers accommodation and dining in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estate comprises extensive landholdings across County Durham and Shropshire, with a focus on sustainable land management and stewardship of the countryside.

About the Role

The Chef plays a key operational role in delivering high-quality food across all services at High Force Hotel. This position combines strong day-to-day production responsibilities with specific ownership of important service periods, ensuring consistency, standards, and guest satisfaction.

The role contributes directly to the kitchen’s strategic objective of maintaining excellent food service standards while supporting a structured, compliant, and professional kitchen environment.

High Force Hotel delivers traditional English cuisine in a distinctive heritage setting within Raby Estates. The kitchen culture prioritises:

• Well-executed classic dishes
• Consistency and presentation standards
• Strong hygiene and food safety discipline
• Guest-focused flexibility, including dietary and allergen requirements
• A supportive team culture that encourages development

This role is an important part of delivering that vision consistently.

Service Ownership – Breakfast & Sunday Lunch

This role includes defined responsibility for two key service areas:

• Breakfast Service: Ensuring efficient preparation, timely service, and consistent standards
• Sunday Lunch: Delivering one of the hotel’s most popular and established services, maintaining the existing concept, quality, and reputation

Level of Responsibility

The Chef is responsible for:

• Delivering food standards during their shift
• Managing their section effectively
• Supporting compliance and safe working practices
• Leading assigned service periods (breakfast and Sunday lunch)

Team supervision and overall kitchen control remain with the Sous Chef and Lead Chef.

Skills Required

• Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
• Good understanding of food hygiene and HACCP principles
• Knowledge of allergen procedures and dietary requirements
• Ability to manage a service section independently
• Strong organisation and time management skills
• Experience in traditional English cuisine is desirable

Qualifications

• Food safety certificate in Food Hygiene (Preferred)

Knowledge/Experience

• Experience working in a professional kitchen environment

Other

The Chef is expected to demonstrate:

• Reliability and a strong work ethic
• Attention to detail in preparation and presentation
• Willingness to learn and follow direction
• Positive teamwork and professional conduct

What we have to Offer

• 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
• Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
• Group Life Insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
• Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
• Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
• A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
• Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
• A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
• A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
• A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.