Head Chef - Boutique Hotel - Taunton

Head Chef
Historic Boutique Hotel | Somerset
JWR is delighted to be working with a long-established, independently owned boutique hotel in Somerset, seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of this much-loved destination property.
This is a rare opportunity to take the reins of a well-regarded hotel kitchen with a strong local reputation, leading a food offering built around warmth, quality and consistency.
Combining a relaxed brasserie-style restaurant with elegant event dining, this role offers the chance to shape a food identity that is both commercially strong and true to the character of the property.

The Package

• Salary From £50,000
• Tronc / service charge circa £1,500-£2,000 per annum
• 28 days holiday
• Free on-site parking
• Staff meals on duty
• Discounted accommodation
• Friends and family discounts on food and drink
• Career development within a well-established independent hotel

The Role
As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, leading the delivery of a food offering that balances approachable brasserie dining with refined hospitality for private events and functions.
You will:

• Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen team across all service periods
• Take full ownership of kitchen operations, standards and team culture
• Deliver simple, honest and flavour-led dishes rooted in classic brasserie cooking
• Champion quality ingredients, strong technique and consistency across every plate
• Create menus that feel warm, familiar and inviting, with timeless appeal
• Oversee all event and private dining menus, delivering a more elevated and refined style where required
• Balance commercial performance with creativity, ensuring strong margins and guest satisfaction
• Manage kitchen GP, labour, stock control and supplier relationships
• Maintain exceptional food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
• Work closely with senior management to evolve and strengthen the hotel's overall food proposition

Requirements
The successful candidate will be a confident and capable Head Chef with a genuine passion for classic hospitality, well-executed food and leading from the front.
You will have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous within a quality-led hotel or restaurant
• A passion for classic brasserie-style cooking and ingredient-led menus
• Strong understanding of flavour, seasonality and timeless, approachable food
• The ability to deliver both relaxed all-day dining and more refined event catering
• Excellent kitchen management, organisation and leadership skills
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food margins and labour costs
• A calm, hands-on leadership style with high standards and strong attention to detail
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented chef to take ownership of a respected Somerset kitchen with a loyal following and strong reputation.
For a Head Chef who values classic cooking, quality ingredients and genuine hospitality, this is a rare chance to shape a food offering with both heritage and heart. For more information, send your CV today