Head Chef
We are looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, one of Darwin Escapes' stunning holiday destinations in Cockermouth.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who is passionate about high-quality food, strong leadership and delivering exceptional guest experiences. As Head Chef, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high standards, smooth service and an inspiring working environment for your team.
You will play a key role in menu creation, cost control and team development, helping to drive the food offering forward while maintaining the high standards expected across Darwin Escapes resorts.
This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring and developing others.
Accommodation is available for this role, making it a great opportunity for candidates looking to relocate or reduce travel.
This is a full-time position working variable days, including weekends and bank holidays.
Key Responsibilities:• Lead the day-to-day running of the kitchen operation• Deliver consistently high-quality dishes in line with company standards• Design and develop menus that reflect seasonal produce and guest expectations• Manage food costs, stock control and ordering to meet budget targets• Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health & safety and COSHH regulations• Recruit, train and develop the kitchen team to a high standard• Schedule staff effectively to meet business needs• Monitor kitchen performance and drive continuous improvement• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment• Work closely with the wider management team to enhance the overall guest experience
What We’re Looking For:• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy kitchen• Strong leadership and team management skills• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards• Experience in menu planning and cost control• Ability to work under pressure and manage a fast-paced kitchen• A positive, proactive attitude with strong attention to detail• A passion for food and delivering outstanding guest experiences
About the role
Why Join Darwin Escapes?
• Competitive salary
• Discounted staff breaks at our luxury resorts across the UK
• Free use of many resort facilities including gyms and swimming pools
• Food discounts across all resorts
• Discounts on spa treatments
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to the Darwin Academy training programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• MediCash health plan
(Some benefits are subject to terms and conditions.)
Additional Information:
This role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with business needs.
The position is based in a busy kitchen environment and will involve standing for extended periods. The role may also include lifting and moving kitchen equipment and supplies where required.
Darwin Escapes
At Darwin Escapes we operate a collection of unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and exceptional guest experiences.
Our resorts range from countryside lodge retreats to coastal escapes, each delivering high standards of hospitality, leisure facilities and service for our holiday guests and holiday home owners.
Whether working in food and beverage, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, entertainment or management, our teams play an important role in creating welcoming environments and memorable experiences for every guest who visits our resorts.
A Darwin Escape is all about creating the perfect destination for our guests to relax, explore and make lasting memories. Whether guests are looking to unwind in peaceful countryside surroundings or enjoy a fun-filled break with family and friends, our resorts offer a variety of experiences designed to suit every type of holiday. Across our resorts, we offer a range of accommodation, from luxury lodges with private hot tubs to spacious caravans and unique stays such as treehouses. Each location has its own character, facilities and atmosphere, but all share the same focus on delivering high standards of hospitality and memorable guest experiences. Our beautifully maintained resorts feature excellent on-site facilities and welcoming environments where guests can relax, recharge or enjoy adventure and exploration in some of the UK’s most desirable locations. Behind every great Darwin Escape is a dedicated team. Our colleagues play a vital role in ensuring every guest enjoys their stay, helping to create the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service that our resorts are known for.
At Darwin Escapes we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our teams work together to create welcoming environments and memorable experiences for our guests across our resorts throughout the United Kingdom. Each of our destinations has its own personality, from luxurious lodge retreats to family-focused resorts and peaceful countryside locations. While every resort is unique, all of our teams share the same commitment to delivering outstanding service and creating great experiences for our guests and holiday home owners. We are proud to offer a friendly and supportive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills and grow their careers. Whether you are starting your first role in hospitality or progressing into management, Darwin Escapes provides opportunities for development, training and career progression across our growing collection of resorts. Wherever you join us, you will become part of a team that values professionalism, teamwork and pride in delivering exceptional service.
Our benefits
At Darwin Escapes, we believe in supporting our people. That’s why we offer a range of benefits, training opportunities and perks across our resorts.
Vacation, Paid time off
Paid sick days
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee development programs
Employee discounts
Gym membership or wellness programs
Free parking
Cycle to work
Referral bonus
Competitive salary
Discount on meals purchased
Discount on spa treatments or products
Free parking or Discounted parking
Employee Assistance Scheme
Progression opportunities
Bereavement leave
Head Chef
At Darwin Escapes we operate a collection of unique holiday destinations across the United Kingdom, offering beautiful locations, quality accommodation and exceptional guest experiences.
Our resorts range from countryside lodge retreats to coastal escapes, each delivering high standards of hospitality, leisure facilities and service for our holiday guests and holiday home owners.
Whether working in food and beverage, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, entertainment or management, our teams play an important role in creating welcoming environments and memorable experiences for every guest who visits our resorts.