The Terrace Restaurant is based at the four-red-star Montagu Arms Hotel, located in the beautiful village of Beaulieu and surrounded by the glorious scenery of the New Forest. We offer our guests 3AA Rosette fine dining cuisine with a seasonal menu inspired and driven by the superb natural larder of the New Forest, and includes spectacular produce straight from the restaurant’s organic kitchen garden. The restaurant is renowned for its food philosophy, utilising the best, seasonal, local produce to deliver expertly crafted dishes.  

This is a unique opportunity for an imaginative, detail-orientated Head Chef to be part of an innovative kitchen, with the creative freedom to provide input into developing exciting new dishes.  As a proactive, hands-on chef you will have the skills to manage, motivate and develop the team through effective communication, problem-solving and collaboration. In line with our focus on sustainability and responsible-sourcing, you will build strong relationships with local producers and help develop aspects such as foraging, in-house butchery and our range of homemade jams and breads.

Our ideal candidate will:

• have significant kitchen management experience in a rosette or Michelin star restaurant
• have the ambition to achieve culinary excellence
• be organised and adaptable with a participative approach to their work
• possess excellent knowledge of classic and technical cooking methods
• use their strong leadership skills to develop and challenge the team in a professional, rewarding environment. 

Working closely with Executive Head Chef, Alistair Craig, you will help manage stock, rotas and costs, ensuring that food service is delivered with resource optimisation and cost efficiency in mind, without affecting quality control and the attention to detail required at this level.  The Head Chef will also be required to enforce strict health and safety measures and HACCP procedures to ensure the safety of food, chemicals, machinery and staff within the kitchen environment.

The role is full time/48 hours per week.  Transport is an advantage to reach the picturesque village of Beaulieu.  The hotel is situated 6 miles from Brockenhurst Village and train station with excellent rail links to Bournemouth, Southampton and London. 

Employee Benefits:

• up to £40,000 per year plus Service Charge tips and annual salary review
• Free off-peak use of the spa and gym facilities
• Free meals on duty
• Paid day off on your birthday
• Training & development opportunities
• Complimentary hotel and spa experiences offered as part of your training
• Discounts off hotel stays, restaurants, spa services and products
• Friends and family discounts
• Referral bonus for introducing a friend
• Enhanced annual leave for long service (5 years+)
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme
• Free onsite parking

If you have relevant experience in a professional kitchen and are keen to join like-minded chefs who are truly passionate about food then this might be the role for you.