Right on the sand at Polzeath Beach. Born of beach, surf and sunset.
We are looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of Cornwall's most vibrsnt beachfront venues. This is a rare opportunity to run a dedicated loyal tesm in a modern produce led kitchen with incredible views out to the Atlantic. Great, fun, working environment and new equipment with an open fire and charcoal grill at the heart of the menu.
Surfside is at the heart of the community for both locals and tourists and is a multi award winning destination, recognised with a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice award. The business is made up of a relaxed coastal restaurant, a fun beach bar and private beach area, and the iconic Rum Bar with over ninety rums and live music. In spring and summer we run a daily beachside BBQ Boat serving flame grilled plates straight onto the sand. We need a chef who can hold quality and consistency across all three, work with a team that wants to stay, and let the best Cornish produce do the talking.
About Surfside
Nestled right on the sand of Polzeath Beach, Surfside is Cornwall's blend of laid back coastal dining and sunset cocktails. The restaurant serves delicious, locally sourced food built around open fire cooking, while the adjoining Rum Bar brings live music from the best local musicians. The beachside BBQ Boat gives Caribbean flavour and is open from lunchtime until the last light fades.
Our food philosophy is simple and uncompromising:
- Ocean to table. Fresh fish, shellfish and daily specials that change with the catch.
- Fire and grill. Charcoal cooked dishes with bold flavours and clean, simple presentation.
- Local produce. Ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers across Cornwall, with a menu that shifts with the seasons.
The above is a starting point sndf we want an ambitious chef to bring their own ideas and make things even better!
Surfside is relaxed, and full of flavour, served with generous portions and stunning views. It’s an iconic place that attracts a mixed crowd from local surfers to A list celebrties. We do fresh, honest, properly cooked food in a setting that sells itself, and we expect the kitchen to match that standard every service.
The Role at a Glance
Job title
Head Chef
Reports to
Owners / General Manager
Location
Surfside, Polzeath Beach, Cornwall, PL27
Type
Full time, permanent. Seasonal pattern with busy summer trade
Hours
Full time including evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays
Salary
Competitive and negotiable based on experience, plus share of service charge / tips
Benefits
Staff meals on shift, paid holiday, A genuine seaside lifestyle
Note: confirm the final salary band, benefits package and contract pattern before this advert is published.
What You Will DoLead the kitchen
- Take full ownership of the kitchen across the restaurant, the Rum Bar food offer and the beachside BBQ Boat, holding consistent quality and presentation across all three.
- Run smooth, calm and well organised services through the seasonal peaks, including busy summer evenings, events and weddings.
- Set and maintain the pace, standards and culture of a kitchen people are proud to work in.
Own the menu
- Design and evolve seasonal menus built around local seafood, sharing plates, flame grilled mains and simple dishes that let quality ingredients shine.
- Make the most of the charcoal grill and open fire as the signature of the food offer.
- Run daily specials that respond to the catch and the best produce available that day.
- Cost dishes properly, manage gross profit and control wastage without cutting corners on quality.
Manage produce and suppliers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Cornish fishermen, farmers and trusted local suppliers.
- Manage ordering, stock control and deliveries to protect both freshness and margin.
- Champion seasonality and sustainability in sourcing decisions.
Build and lead the team
- Recruit, train, motivate and retain a strong kitchen brigade across all sections.
- Build the rota, manage labour cost against trade, and plan staffing around the seasonal calendar.
- Coach and develop chefs so the kitchen is a place people want to return to season after season.
Run a safe, compliant kitchen
- Take responsibility for food safety, hygiene and full compliance with all relevant regulations, targeting and maintaining a 5 star Food Hygiene Rating.
- Keep HACCP, allergen management, due diligence records and health and safety practice tight and audit ready.
- Manage kitchen equipment, maintenance and cleanliness to a high standard.
Who We Are Looking ForEssential
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, ideally in a fresh produce led, high volume or destination venue.
- Genuine skill and confidence with fresh fish, shellfish and live fire or charcoal cooking.
- A real feel for seasonal, ingredient driven menus rather than reheated, off the shelf cooking.
- Strong commercial understanding of GP, menu costing, stock control and labour management.
- A calm, capable leader who can build and hold a team together through demanding services.
- Solid working knowledge of food safety, HACCP, allergens and kitchen compliance.
- The resilience and energy to thrive through a busy Cornish summer season.
Desirable
- Experience cooking seafood and shellfish at a coastal or waterfront venue.
- Experience handling events, weddings and private dining alongside daily covers.
- Established relationships with South West or Cornish suppliers.
- A genuine love of the coast, the outdoors and the lifestyle that comes with it.
Why Join Surfside
This is not just another kitchen. It is a chance to cook the food you actually want to cook, in one of the most beautiful settings in the country, for guests who come specifically for the experience.
- Cook over fire, right on the beach, with the freshest Cornish seafood landing on your pass.
- Genuine creative freedom to shape menus that change with the seasons and the catch.
- A respected, award winning, well run venue with a strong local reputation and loyal following.
- The kind of lifestyle most chefs only dream about: surf, sea and sunset on your doorstep.
- A supportive ownership team that values its people and wants this to be a long term home, not a revolving door.
How to Apply
To apply, send your CV and a short covering note telling us why Surfside is the kitchen for you, along with your salary expectations and availability.
Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07742 822866
Surfside Polzeath is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
