Head Chef - Hotel Restaurant - The Farmyard

Head Chef - The Farmyard Kitchen

£50,000 per annum plus tronc and fantastic benefits

45 hours across 5 days, with regular evenings and weekends

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Advert closes: 27 April 2026

🔗Take a look at our website

🔗Read our sample menu

🔗Read the full job description here

Bring bold flavours to life and lead an ambitious kitchen into its next chapter

Our Head Chef

The Head Chef plays a pivotal role in leading our 40-cover Farmyard Kitchen, one of the standout dining experiences at The Newt. Set within a beautifully restored dairy, this kitchen champions estate-grown, reared, and foraged produce, brought to life through seasonal menus and wood-fired cooking. You will take ownership of menu creation, lead and inspire a talented team, and collaborate closely with estate growers and producers. In this open kitchen environment, you’ll also connect directly with guests, delivering a dining experience that is both authentic and memorable. We are looking for an inspirational leader, someone who communicates well at all levels, who can bring energy, clarity, and direction to the team.

With exciting plans to expand the restaurant in the near future, this is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious chef who is ready to grow with the business and help shape the next chapter of the restaurant’s success.

Key Responsibilities

• Create innovative, seasonal menus using estate-grown and locally sourced produce
• Collaborate with estate growers to ensure a consistent supply of fresh ingredients
• Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing kitchen team
• Oversee kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and exceptional food quality
• Manage food costs while maintaining outstanding guest experience
• Support estate-wide events and exclusive-use bookings
• Work closely with front of house teams to deliver seamless service
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene standards

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 experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a luxury hotel or similar environment
• Passion for seasonal cooking and working with estate-grown ingredients
• Experience cooking with fire and wood-fired ovens
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing large teams
• An inspirational leader who communicates confidently at all levels
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Commercial awareness and ability to manage food costs effectively
• Adaptable, hands-on approach with a drive for excellence

Where you'll be working

The Farmyard is a reimagined dairy set within the rolling Somerset hillside and forms part of our newest hotel project. The property features 17 guest rooms within a renovated farmhouse and outbuildings, alongside a swimming pool, games room, honesty bar, and a 40-cover restaurant.

The Farmyard Kitchen is open from breakfast through to dinner and celebrates estate produce, with cooking centred around a wood-fired oven and an open kitchen where chefs serve directly to the table. The menu is seasonally led, offering hearty yet humble sharing plates designed to be enjoyed together. Service is relaxed yet refined, delivered in a beautiful stone barn setting.

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