Head Chef - Michelin Green Star

Michelin; Sherfield on Loddon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier culinary destination in Hampshire seeks an innovative Head Chef to lead its restaurant, creating seasonal menus and mentoring junior chefs. This role requires a flair for produce-led cooking and a deep respect for seasons. The position offers competitive benefits including a substantial tronc and various staff perks.

Benefits

Tronc allocation of £7,800+ per annum

Life assurance covering up to 2x annual salary

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

50% discount when dining in estate restaurants

Complimentary staff meals

Qualifications

• Deep respect for seasons and ingredients.
• Experience in a culinary leadership role.
• Ability to create seasonal menus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the restaurant.
• Work with Culinary Director to evolve culinary vision.
• Mentor and develop junior chefs.
• Ensure quality and consistency across services.
• Innovate menus based on seasonal availability.

Skills

Produce-led cooking

Leadership

Creativity

Attention to detail

Job description

Set within 400 acres of Hampshire countryside, just an hour from London, this unique destination is home to a lovingly restored Georgian estate, where hospitality is deeply rooted in a respect for the land. At the heart of the operation is an organic Home Farm and biodynamic Market Garden that provide an extraordinary variety of hyper-seasonal produce.

Guided by their Culinary Director, whose philosophy centres around simplicity, seasonality, and sustainability, the kitchens offer a rare opportunity to be part of a culinary journey that is both visionary and grounded.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Chef to lead the estate's main restaurant - serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner - while also overseeing the House menu for in-room dining. This is a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience through a menu that evolves in real time with the seasons and the garden.

This position is ideal for a chef with a deep respect for the seasons, a flair for elegant, produce-led cooking, and the desire to work in an environment where food is more than a product - it's a relationship with the land.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Direct access to biodynamic produce grown just steps from the kitchen
• The freedom to create menus that reflect the land and the ethos of natural, elegant cooking
• A leadership position in a kitchen where provenance, sustainability, and seasonality are lived daily
• The chance to be part of a close-knit culinary team with a shared respect for craftsmanship and collaboration

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, as well as in-room dining
• Work closely with the Culinary Director and Executive Chef to uphold and evolve the culinary vision
• Mentor and develop junior chefs, fostering a positive, respectful, and educational environment
• Ensure consistency, quality, and attention to detail across every service
• Innovate with flexibility and creativity, adapting menus to reflect seasonal availability
• Maintain a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work
• Embody and represent the estate's philosophy with professionalism and authenticity

This is a rare chance to lead a kitchen where the land, the grower, and the seasons are part of every plate - and where cooking reflects a truly living estate.

Benefits

• Tronc (2024 allocation: £7,800+ per annum, based on full-time hours)
• Life assurance (from day one, covering up to 2x annual salary)
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Increased holiday allowance

Health & Wellbeing

• Vitality healthcare cover
• Employee assistance programme

Perks & Discounts

• 50% discount when dining in the estate's restaurants
• 50% discount on Wildsmith Skin products
• Online staff discount platform
• 'Recruit a Friend' bonus (£1,000)
• Monthly employee recognition scheme
• Annual staff parties
• Complimentary staff meals
• Daily team briefings and food tastings
• Opportunities to engage with the farm and growing team

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age