Cherries Café at Abbey Farm is looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.
We’re a busy café in beautiful Dorset, with plans to expand. We have a supportive, hard-working team and a loyal customer base in the village, and busier summers with increased tourism. This role would suit someone who enjoys running their own kitchen, regularly developing seasonal menus, and working with the FOH team in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and deliver creative seasonal menus which change often to keep things exciting
- Manage back-of-house operations, including orders, compliance paperwork and food hygiene standards
- Develop menus that utilise cost-effective ingredients while elevating them through technique and presentation
- Maintain strong GP margins through stock control, waste reduction and supplier management
- Quality control; ensuring consistency in quality, presentation and flavour
- Manage ordering, compliance paperwork and food hygiene standards (HACCP)
- Being able to carry a service and stay calm under pressure, working across all sections in a small kitchen
What We're Looking For
- Ideally 2+ years' experience in a Sous Chef or Head Chef role
- Someone keen to bring their own ideas, be part of the drive to move the café forward, and play a key role in its development – a great opportunity to take real ownership of the kitchen
- Confident in running a kitchen and managing service
- The palate; passionate about food, creative flair, strong understanding of flavour, presentation and seasonal produce
- Good financial awareness and stock control experience
- A hands-on leader who supports the team and leads by example, and inspires a small, tight-knit team to maintain consistency and high morale
- Ensure that every dish feels "extra special" through thoughtful plating and bold flavours
- Reliable, organised and able to maintain high standards
- You're a leader and team player who isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves, jump out front or hit the sink
What We Offer
- This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of the kitchen at Cherries and play a key role in shaping the future of the café. We’re offering a role for someone who wants to bring their own ideas to the table, be part of the drive to grow and develop the business, and have real input into menus, direction and standards. It’s a chance to make your mark, not just fill a position.
- We are a café with occasional winter evening service for events and plans to expand into early evening suppers and regular seasonal summer openings.
- Occasional evening events
- Supportive and friendly team environment
- Creative input into menu development
- Beautiful countryside working location in Dorset
If you're looking for a Head Chef role where you can take ownership of the kitchen while working sensible daytime hours, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Abbotsbury, Dorset: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
Language:
Work Location: In person
