Head Chef

The Prickly Pear; Bruton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A Mexican-inspired British pub, The Prickly Pear, is seeking a Head Chef to lead its culinary team. You'll oversee kitchen operations, develop innovative menus incorporating local produce, and work closely with the market garden. Join us in crafting a dining experience that blends vibrant flavors and sustainability as we prepare to reopen in 2025.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Staff discounts on food and beverages

Access to professional development and training

Unique opportunity to work with a market garden

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality setting.
• Passion for working with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and develop high-quality Mexican fusion menus.
• Manage kitchen staff and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Planning

Collaboration

Creativity

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Tucked away on the high street of Bruton, Somerset, The Prickly Pear is a

Mexican-inspired British pub where high-quality, fresh ingredients and bold

flavours create a very unique and exciting dining experience. We pride ourselves

on taking inspiration Mexican, Spanish, Japanese and many other cuisines to

consistently furnish our patrons with exceptional flavours. Where possible, we

endeavour to source our produce from our dedicated organic market garden

located just a mile away from the venue and the local area in general to ensure

seasonality and sustainability.

The Prickly Pear first opened its doors to great applause in October 2022 before

closing a year later for a complete renovation and refit - a huge and much needed

project which has brought the beautiful building up to modern standards while

maintaining and enhancing its grade II listed visage.

We’ve built a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen and opened up the space to be

lighter and brighter, perfect for summer. There are two beer gardens, one of

which has a stunning view of Bruton’s famous Dovecote. Upstairs has been

converted into a bright and airy events space which has its own bar and a lazy

waiter to deliver dishes from the kitchen.

Our aim for the business is simple: create a profitable, extremely well regarded

hospitality space where everyone feels welcome to come and enjoy themselves.

We intend to reopen in July/August 2025, The Prickly Pear Team are looking for

exceptional, motivated individuals to join us on this endeavour and beyond!

Job Overview:

We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive

culinary excellence, and collaborate with our garden team to craft exceptional

menus.

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations, delivering outstanding

Mexican fusion dishes that showcase our commitment to quality and locally grown

produce. You’ll lead a talented kitchen team, manage costs, and work closely with

our market garden to develop a growing plan that aligns with our menu vision.

While Mexican food preparation experience is a bonus, we value leadership,

creativity, and a dedication to high standards above all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development: Create innovative, high-quality menus that highlight

our Mexican-British theme, incorporating fresh produce from our market

garden and seasonal ingredients.

• Market Garden Collaboration: Work closely with our market garden team

to plan and implement a growing schedule that supports menu needs,

ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs, vegetables, and other produce.

• Food Quality & Consistency: Maintain exceptional standards for taste,

presentation, and consistency, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment

to quality.

• Menu Costing & Profitability: Develop cost-effective menus, monitor food

costs, and implement portion control to meet profitability goals while

prioritising quality.

• Staff Management: Recruit, train, and lead the kitchen team, fostering a

collaborative and motivated environment. Schedule staff to ensure efficient

operations during peak times.

• Inventory & Supplier Relations: Manage stock levels, minimise waste, and

liaise with suppliers (including our market garden) to secure premium

ingredients at competitive prices.

• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to food safety,

hygiene, and workplace health and safety regulations, keeping the kitchen

clean and compliant.

• Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily operations, including prep, service, and

cleanup, ensuring smooth workflows and timely service during busy

periods.

• Customer Engagement: Partner with front-of-house management to

address customer feedback, accommodate dietary needs, and enhance the

dining experience.

• Culinary Innovation: Stay informed on culinary trends, particularly in

Mexican and British cuisines, to keep our menu fresh, relevant, and

exciting.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality

restaurant or pub setting.

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a kitchen

team.

• Expertise in menu planning, costing, and inventory management.

• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (Level 3 Food Hygiene

Certificate preferred).

• Passion for working with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an interest in

sustainable practices.

• Experience or willingness to collaborate with a market garden to plan

seasonal produce (training provided if needed).

• Creative flair for designing dishes that align with our Mexican-British fusion

concept.

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment, managing

multiple priorities.

• Strong communication skills to work with garden staff, suppliers, and pub

management.

• Mexican food preparation experience is a bonus but not required,

enthusiasm for learning is essential.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Performance-Based Bonuses:

We offer performance-based bonuses tied to mutually agreed, achievable

outcomes, such as:

• Meeting or exceeding food cost and profitability targets.

• Driving high customer satisfaction through exceptional food quality and

positive feedback.

• Successfully integrating market garden produce into menus, reducing

external sourcing costs.

• Developing innovative dishes that increase sales and customer retention.

• Maintaining a high-performing, low-turnover kitchen team.

Bonus structures will be negotiated during the hiring process to align with

your goals and our business objectives.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

• Performance-based bonuses to reward your success.

• A unique opportunity to collaborate with our market garden, shaping menus

with fresh, sustainable produce.

• A supportive, inclusive work environment with a passionate and creative

team.

• Staff discounts on food and beverages.

• Access to professional development and training, including opportunities to

deepen knowledge of Mexican cuisine and sustainable practices.

• A platform to showcase your culinary vision and leadership in a growing

business.

Additional Information:

• This role requires a hands-on approach, balancing creative menu

development with operational efficiency.

• You’ll work closely with the general manager and market garden team to

align culinary and sustainability goals.

• A passion for sustainability and delivering memorable dining experiences is

essential.

• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any

sample menus or dishes you’ve created (if applicable) to

[e-mail]. Social media links showing your work are

also appreciated.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be asked to

participate in a trial shift or present a sample menu featuring market garden

produce.

Be a part of our mission to deliver exceptional, sustainable, and flavourful

dining at our Mexican-themed British pub!

Note: We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity in our team.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage early submission.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £37,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme
• Tips

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Weekend availability