Senior Sous / Head Chef required for a Country Hotel and Wedding Venue in Cumbria

The Role
This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the culinary offering within a highly regarded wedding venue.
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality, beautifully presented food for weddings and events, while overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, and team leadership.
The business is seeking a chef who shares its values — warm, calm under pressure, highly organised, and passionate about creating special moments through food.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations for weddings and events
• Create seasonal, bespoke wedding menus tailored to each couple
• Oversee tastings and collaborate with couples during the planning process
• Maintain exceptional presentation and consistency
• Manage ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Control food costs and kitchen budgets
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen team members
• Work closely with front-of-house and coordination teams to ensure seamless service

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a Senior Sous Chef or Head Chef
• Experience in weddings, events, or high-volume service preferred
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Calm and professional under pressure
• Creative flair with excellent attention to detail
• Passionate about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
• Flexible with weekend and event-based working

What Is Offered

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Opportunity to shape and develop a growing food offering
• Creative freedom within a supportive family-run business
• A beautiful countryside working environment near Appleby-in-Westmorland
• The chance to contribute to truly memorable wedding days

Applications are welcomed from experienced chefs who thrive in a wedding and events environment and are seeking a leadership role within a personal, quality-driven business.