Head Chef - Restaurant & Events Hotel

Head Chef – Restaurant & Events Hotel

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Location: Taunton, Somerset Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 base salary Tronc: Yes on top Relocation: Short-term hotel support may be available for someone relocating
We are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a well-established, family-owned hotel and restaurant in the heart of Taunton.
This is a role with real scope.
The business has a strong local reputation, a loyal corporate following, busy weekend leisure trade, afternoon tea, events, weddings, birthdays, and five function spaces across two sites.
The restaurant is classic, with a mix of classic dishes, quality comfort food, and room to develop something more ambitious.
The hotel previously operated a fine dining restaurant, which closed in 2019. The long-term aim is to bring that side of the business back, starting with special fine dining evenings and building from there.
They need a Head Chef with spark, drive, and the ability to get the food offering back on its feet.
The Business
This is a busy hotel and restaurant operation with:
25–30 covers Monday to Thursday evenings from a strong corporate base
Good leisure trade across the weekend
Afternoon tea Wednesday to Saturday, with occasional Sunday bookings
Weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and private dining
Five function spaces across two sites
Events ranging from 15–20 guests going up to 80–90 guests
A family-owned culture with a hands-on senior team
There is history here too. some of the leading chefs in the UK culinary have worked in this kitchen, and the owners now want to rebuild its food reputation with the right Head Chef.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen and work closely with the Hotel Manager to move the food offering forward. xwzovoh
You will be responsible for:
Leading the day-to-day kitchen operation
Developing the French-inspired restaurant menu
Supporting afternoon tea, events, weddings, and private dining
Bringing fresh ideas, structure, and consistency to the kitchen
Building towards fine dining nights and future restaurant development
Managing GP, stock, ordering, waste, and kitchen costs
Training and developing the team
Creating a positive, professional kitchen culture
The Ideal Head Chef
We are looking for someone who has:
Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
A background in hotels, restaurants, quality pubs, or event-led operations
Strong knowledge of fresh food and seasonal menu development
Confidence across restaurant service, afternoon tea, and events
Good commercial understanding
The drive to rebuild and improve a food operation
A calm leadership style
The ambition to help bring fine dining back into the business
This would suit a chef who wants more than just another Head Chef job.
You will have the chance to shape the food, rebuild standards, and be part of the next chapter of a well-known family-owned hotel.
The Package
£45,000 – £50,000 base salary
Tronc on top
Short-term hotel support may be available for relocation
3–4 days per week in the hotel may be possible short term while relocating
Family-owned business
Real scope to develop the restaurant and events food offering