Job Description

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced chef or cook to take over the running of our successful kitchen at the beautiful River Shack in Stoke Gabriel (near Totnes and Paignton). The River Shack is a very popular destination known for its delicious, creative, hearty and family friendly food, and we are looking for the right person to help us continue the kitchens ongoing sucess.

The job is to start in February 2026. We close for the winters every year from December until March. Despite this, you will be employed on an annual salary but will have nearly 3 months off a year at full pay. From March to September we ask you to work 40-45 hours a week across 4 or 5 days (including Fri and Saturday evenings), and from October to December we ask you to work 40 hours from Thursday to Sunday (including Friday and Saturday evenings), as we are closed Monday to Wednesday from the end of September.

This job is perfect for someone who is looking to work a seasonal job where they can work hard during the summer months, and take time off to relax or travel in the winter.

We are looking for someone who is confident enough to take the lead in a professional kitchen and bring interesting menu ideas with them. We are a small harmonious team and it is essential that you are able to work calmly under pressure as we do get very busy at times. The kitchen is small and storage is limited so you need to be organised and efficient with stock rotation, ordering and menu planning. Our menus are small and change with the seasons.

You will only ever be cooking with one other chef in the main kitchen. There is a pizza kitchen outside too which we open for the summer, and so on busy days communication between the two kitchens is needed to ensure food arrives at the tables at the same time.

Although the job is not starting until February 2026, if the right candidate is found early enough, we would like to bring you in to meet our current head chef who can provide a handover and training in certain areas.

We are a small family run business and we work hard and have a great team atmosphere. If you are looking for a seasonal, sociable, busy job then this is for you. We are situated in a beautiful location and The River Shack is a very special place.

Responsibilities

Menu planning and costing. Experience in menu costing is preferred but we can teach you this if needed. Supervise and manage the hygiene and health and safety of the kitchen. Train kitchen staff in cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation skills. Work amicably with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery. Conduct regular quality checks on all food items before they are served to guests.
If you are interested in applying please get in touch via info@therivershackdevon.co.uk with a CV and a covering letter. You must have your own transport to get to work as we are not connected by public transport.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person