Where fresh local produce, creativity, and countryside charm come together - and no two days (or dishes) are the same!
- Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire
- Competitive Salary + Tips
- ~40 Hours per Week
- Permanent Contract
Barra Castle Farmshop is looking for a talented Head Chef to lead the kitchen in our busy and growing café, set in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside near Oldmeldrum.
We’re a kitchen that prides itself on proper food, made with great ingredients, and a bit of personality on the plate - not the same dishes you’ll find everywhere else. Our aim is simple: food that customers come back for, talk about, and remember.
This is a rare opportunity for a chef who wants to work with fresh, seasonal produce in a growing business, while enjoying a more balanced lifestyle than many traditional hospitality roles.
It’s equally suited to an experienced Head Chef looking for a fresh challenge, or a strong Sous Chef / Senior Chef ready to step up into their first kitchen leadership role, with real scope to shape the future of the food here.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary + tips
- More balanced working pattern than many traditional kitchens
- Work with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients
- Freedom to develop menus and daily specials
- Opportunity to cater for events and private functions
- A supportive, friendly team
- Staff meals
- Stunning rural location
- Potential to grow with an ambitious business
- Chance to put your stamp on a developing food offering
The Role
You’ll take full ownership of the kitchen day-to-day, leading service and ensuring consistently high standards across every dish.
You’ll be expected to cook food that is both well-executed and a little bit different - the kind of dishes that get people talking.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily kitchen service
- Create and develop seasonal menus and specials
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
- Manage stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Train, support, and motivate junior team members
- Manage GP, margins, and minimise waste
- Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong chef leadership experience
- Is currently a Head Chef, or a Sous Chef ready to step up
- Can handle a busy service without losing focus or standards
- Cares about flavour, presentation, and fresh ingredients
- Is calm, organised, and hands-on in the kitchen
- Leads by example and treats the team with respect
- Can adapt when things change (and they sometimes will)
- Wants a better work-life balance without compromising on quality
Ideal Background
Experience in a café, restaurant, bistro, hotel or gastro pub is all welcome.
Location
Barra Castle Farmshop, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0BB
Own transport is necessary due to rural location.
Apply Now
If you’re hungry for a new challenge, and want to be part of a kitchen that values fresh food, creativity, and good people…
Send your CV and a short introduction telling us why this role is right for you.
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Will you be able to commute to AB51 0BB
Experience:
Work Location: In person
