Head Chef

Bespoke Hotels; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotel Gotham Bristol is seeking a Head Chef to lead the pre-opening kitchen, shaping a multi-outlet F&B operation with a bold Persian-inspired small plates concept and a rooftop dining experience. You will design procedures, build a high-performing brigade and drive culinary excellence from day one.

You will oversee two distinctive outlets, champion HACCP compliance, and foster a culture of development, accountability and guest-focused service in a vibrant, historic 5-star setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef in luxury hotel or fine dining.
• Track record of building and leading high-performance kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day kitchen operations across outlets to ensure exceptional quality and service.
• Develop seasonal menus aligned with Gotham brand and cost controls.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen brigades and deliver performance reviews.
• Maintain stock levels, ordering, and supplier management for demand.
• Coach staff to uphold highest culinary standards and safety practices.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary management

Food safety HACCP

Job description

Be Part of Bristol's First Luxury Five Star Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel Gotham first turned heads in Manchester, earning the title of "Europe's sexiest hotel". Following a show-stopping opening in Newcastle, the curtain now rises on the next act of the Gotham story - and this time, Bristol takes centre stage.

The iconic Grade II listed Guildhall is being thoughtfully transformed into Bristol's first luxury five star lifestyle hotel. Rich in history and architectural grandeur, expect breathtaking Gothic windows, magnificent stained glass and original period features around every corner. It's a setting worthy of Gotham.

Hotel Gotham is more than just a hotel - it’s a way of life. A vibe. A 5-star, theatrical, vibrant, stylish, dramatic experience - for guests and colleagues.

As our Head Chef, you'll play a pivotal role as a member of the senior management team during the pre-opening phase of our breathtaking hotel. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a predicted multi-million pound food and beverage operation from the very beginning. From designing operational procedures and building a high-performing kitchen brigade, to delivering consistently outstanding quality, you'll play a vital role in creating one of the city's most exciting dining destinations from day one.

Our signature restaurant will showcase a bold, westernised Persian-inspired small plates concept, offering guests an innovative and vibrant dining experience, while our rooftop terrace will become one of the city's most sought-after destinations, serving a carefully curated menu designed to complement its unique setting. Operating 365 days a year through from Breakast to Evening service across these two distinctive food and beverage outlets, you will be a passionate and inspiring leader with a commitment to culinary excellence, where outstanding guest experiences are at the heart of everything you do.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and service across all food and beverage outlets.
• Manage, supervise and participate in food preparation, ensuring every dish meets the highest standards while complying with all food safety legislation.
• Drive financial performance by effectively controlling food costs, labour productivity and wastage.
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing kitchen brigade, creating a positive and respectful culture of engagement, accountability and continuous development.
• Deliver structured inductions, regular performance reviews and development plans to support career progression.
• Coach and motivate the kitchen team to achieve the highest cooking and operational standards through ongoing training.
• Develop and implement seasonal menus that reflect the Gotham brand while maximising quality, profitability and appeal.
• Ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained through effective ordering, stock control and supplier management to support business demands.
• Champion the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food hygiene throughout all kitchen areas, ensuring full compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation and company procedures.
• Lead by example in maintaining a safe working environment, ensuring all kitchen equipment is used correctly and safely.
• Confidently manage Environmental Health Officer (EHO) visits, ensuring the kitchen consistently exceeds statutory and company compliance standards.
• Communicate departmental, hotel and company objectives through regular team briefings, fostering collaboration and keeping the brigade engaged and informed.

We're looking for passionate hospitality professionals ready to take centre stage and help bring the Gotham experience to life from day one. If you have exceptional communication skills, outstanding attention to detail and thrive as part of a high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Hotel Gotham Bristol?

• Be part of the opening team at Bristol's first luxury five-star lifestyle hotel.
• Work in one of the city's most iconic historic buildings.
• Join a passionate, supportive and ambitious founding cast.
• Opportunities for training, career development and progression.