Job Description

About Us

Thoulstone Pavilion is a farm-to-fork cafe dedicated to celebrating fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. We take pride in serving simple, wholesome dishes made with care -- from hearty breakfasts and vibrant salads to freshly baked goods and daily specials that reflect the best of each season. Our mission is to create a warm, welcoming space that connects our guests with great food and the local farming community.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative, passionate chef to lead our kitchen and develop a menu that reflects our farm shop ethos -- seasonal, local, and full of flavour. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on approach, a love for fresh ingredients, and experience working in a cafe or casual dining environment. You'll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning and food prep to stock management and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Development:

Create and update menus showcasing seasonal and locally sourced produce.

Food Preparation & Cooking:

Deliver consistently high-quality dishes, ensuring flavour, presentation, and portion control.

Stock & Ordering:

Manage inventory, place orders with local suppliers, and minimise waste.

Team Leadership:

Supervise and train a small kitchen team, fostering a positive, efficient, and safe working environment.

Hygiene & Compliance:

Maintain the highest food safety and hygiene standards in line with HACCP and local regulations.

Collaboration:

Work closely with front-of-house staff and management to ensure smooth service and excellent customer experience.

Innovation:

Contribute ideas for specials, events, and seasonal offerings that align with our farm shop values.

Skills & Experience

Proven experience as a Chef or Sous Chef in a cafe, restaurant, or similar environment Strong knowledge of seasonal cooking and locally sourced ingredients Excellent organisational and time-management skills Ability to work under pressure during busy service periods Leadership and communication skills Food hygiene certification (Level 2 or higher) Passion for sustainable, ethical, and community-focused food Passion for baking a fresh cake display

What We Offer

Competitive pay and performance-based incentives A supportive, friendly working environment Opportunities for creativity and menu input Staff discounts on cafe and farm shop products A genuine work-life balance -- early finishes typical of daytime cafe hours
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person