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Head Chef
The Swan, Southrop | Full Time
Are you a passionate and inspiring Head Chef looking for the opportunity to lead a talented kitchen in one of the Cotswolds' most celebrated country pubs?
At The Swan in Southrop, we're looking for a hands-on Head Chef who shares our passion for exceptional seasonal food, outstanding hospitality, and developing great people. Working alongside our Chef Director, you'll lead a committed kitchen team, champion our garden-led ethos, and deliver consistently exceptional dining experiences for every guest.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a talented brigade, contribute to menu development, and be part of a business that values creativity, sustainability, and genuine teamwork.
What you'll be doing
As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen, ensuring every service runs smoothly while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
You'll:
- Lead, motivate, and develop a talented kitchen team.
- Deliver exceptional food with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
- Take ownership of kitchen operations, staffing, and service.
- Work alongside our Chef Director to develop seasonal menus inspired by the best local and garden produce.
- Maintain outstanding food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards.
- Manage stock, food costs, and waste to ensure a commercially successful operation.
- Support and coach every member of the kitchen team, creating a positive culture where people can thrive.
- Work closely with front-of-house teams to ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional experience.
We're looking for someone who
- Is an experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
- Leads by example and enjoys being on the pass and in the kitchen during busy services.
- Has a genuine passion for seasonal, locally sourced food.
- Can inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing team.
- Understands kitchen finances, stock control, and food cost management.
- Remains calm, organized, and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Takes pride in maintaining exceptional standards every day.
- Shares our values of collaboration, sustainability, and continuous learning.
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Why join The Swan?
At The Swan, you'll become part of a supportive team where people genuinely care about producing outstanding food and creating memorable experiences.
About The Swan
The Swan is a beautifully restored country pub at the heart of Southrop, serving thoughtfully crafted food that celebrates the seasons and the incredible produce grown on our doorstep. Every plate reflects our commitment to quality ingredients, sustainability, and warm, authentic hospitality.
If you're an ambitious chef who loves leading people, creating exceptional food, and being part of a passionate team, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the next chapter of The Swan's kitchen.
About Thyme
Set in 150 acres of farmland, Thyme is a family-run destination: we have a hotel, a spa, a cookery school, restaurants, and a farm, we grow our vegetables, fruit, and herbs, and we have nature at our heart.
A destination for local regulars, London weekenders, and international travelers alike, each day brings variety, vibrancy, and excitement.
We are a team that consistently strives for world-class guest experience, to celebrate the seasons, and immerse guests in our love of the land. Our people are dynamic, passionate, considerate, and collaborative, with a culture of learning and progression at our heart.
Why Choose Thyme?
- A Flourishing Team: Our team is vibrant, professional, and collaborative. With our company values at our heart, the team works together to deliver true hospitality excellence.
- A Connection to the Land: Throughout Thyme, there is plenty of open space and gardens to wander. Our work environments are light and airy, always maintaining a connection to the outside.
- Professional Development: Personal and professional development is at the heart of our people strategy, with training and leadership programs as well as development plans for all the team.
- Competitive Remuneration: We offer excellent pay and benefits. Our service charge is substantial, and every penny goes to our hardworking team each month.
Benefits for the Team
- Exceptionally generous Service Charge bonuses paid monthly.
- 28 days annual leave PA + All staff to have an extra day off on their birthday.
- Healthy & delicious meals on duty prepared by our own Chef’s, and a comfy team room to enjoy on breaks.
- Employee assistance & wellbeing programme.
- High quality, sustainably made, and stylish uniforms provided.
- Free staff parking on site.
- Team rates to stay at Thyme for £150 per night, with the ability to extend this to family.
- 50% off food in both the Ox Barn and the Swan.
- Cookery School discount - All classes are £40 per person, available for you plus 1 guest.
- 50% discount on Spa Treatments.
- 40% discount on our retail range Bertioli.
- Annual staff Christmas Party with dinner, drinks, music & dancing!
- A personalised approach to investment in your professional development.
- Beautiful Location with plenty of space to walk and relax during break times!
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Our Culture
A welcoming, caring, positive, and supportive culture, defined by inclusivity, accountability, and recognition. Effective communication, listening, and a commitment to health and wellbeing serve as the bedrock of our culture.
Our Values
- Considerate: Being thoughtful and Considerate in our actions and their impact on people and the planet.
- Consistency: Delivering Consistency of performance and stability through collaboration and communication.
- Integrity: Always displaying total Integrity, creating an environment where respect, honesty, and trust, thrive.
- Pride: Having Pride in who we are and what we do, and the sophisticated style with which we do it.
- Aspiring: Aspiring to achieve excellence, applauding ambition, and rewarding resilience.
Thyme is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to being a successful, caring, and welcoming place for all. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered, and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances will be positively valued. We will ensure that no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
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