Senior Chef

Senior Chef

£38,000 per annum plus tronc and fantastic benefits

45 hours per week across 5 days.

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving licence is recommended for this role.

Advert closes: Monday 21st July 2026

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Lead the kitchen where exceptional Somerset produce and the spirit of travel come together.

Our Senior Chef

As Senior Chef at The Creamery, you’ll help run a busy open kitchen where guests can see the team at work and enjoy relaxed all-day dining. Open for breakfast and lunch, The Creamery serves a seasonal menu that makes the most of produce from The Newt’s gardens, bakery, butchery and dairy, from hearty breakfasts and fresh cheeses to simple lunch dishes and grab-and-go favourites. Working closely with the Head Chef, you’ll keep service running smoothly, support and develop the kitchen team, and make sure every plate is well cooked, well presented and full of flavour.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Lead by example during service, maintaining excellent standards of quality, consistency and presentation.
• Deliver breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and occasional evening services in a fast-paced environment.
• Help create seasonal menus showcasing cheeses, dairy products and produce from The Newt estate.
• Manage food costs through effective stock control, portion management and waste reduction.
• Recruit, train, mentor and develop junior chefs and Kitchen Porters.
• Maintain outstanding food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards, including the department’s 5-star hygiene rating.
• Collaborate with Front of House and wider Food and Beverage teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• Proven senior-level experience within a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
• A confident and approachable leader who remains calm under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and a genuine passion for quality food.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Experience controlling food costs, stock, portions and waste.
• The ability to mentor, motivate and develop junior kitchen team members.
• Confidence engaging with guests and collaborating with multiple departments.
• Food Safety Level 2 qualification, or a willingness to obtain it.

Where you’ll be working

The Creamery is a blend of restaurant, deli and retail store. It welcomes visitors to this part of Somerset and waves passengers off on journeys around the UK, with a generous nod to the golden age of travel.

The Creamery offers a unique dining experience, where guests can watch artisan cheesemaking as they eat. This sense of transparency is a signature of The Newt, and the offer sits comfortably within the wider food and beverage portfolio.

Reminiscent of traditional European market eateries, there is a counter for a quick espresso or deli snack to take away, alongside a table-service menu featuring plates of Somerset specialities. The menu shines a light on the craftsmanship behind The Newt’s produce, with a particular focus on its cheesemakers, butchers and growers.

The all-day offering includes breakfast and lunch. At full capacity, the café seats approximately 80 guests, with 50 covers inside and a further 30 on the terrace and in the garden during fine weather.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR