Head Chef, Penninghame House, Dumfries and Galloway

Penninghame Estate, located in Newton Stewart, is a picturesque and historic property that offers a serene and luxurious retreat for its visitors. Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Scottish countryside, the estate is characterized by its expansive grounds, lush greenery, and beautifully maintained gardens. The main house is a stunning example of traditional architecture, complemented by modern amenities to ensure the utmost comfort for guests.

The estate boasts a variety of accommodations, including opulent suites, charming cottages, and stylish lodges, all designed to cater to different preferences and group sizes. With an emphasis on relaxation and tranquility, Penninghame Estate provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities such as nature walks, fishing, and exploring the nearby attractions.

Chef Services Requirements

To ensure a memorable and delightful culinary experience for our guests, we seek to recruit a skilled and passionate head chef who can help us develop and deliver a diverse range of services.

Below are the detailed requirements for the chef services at Penninghame Estate:

Welcome Basket and Arrival Meals:

• Prepare and present a variety of welcome goods for guests upon arrival, including freshly baked bread, scones, shortbread and artisan preserves.

• Create a warm and inviting first meals offering that sets the tone for the guests' stay, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Daily Breakfast Services for fully catered guests:

• Offer a diverse breakfast menu that caters to different dietary preferences, including traditional Scottish breakfast options, continental selections, and healthy alternatives.

• Ensure all breakfast items are prepared to the highest standards, using fresh and high-quality ingredients.
Casual Lunch and Picnic Provisions for fully catered guests.

• Prepare a variety of casual lunch options that can be enjoyed on the estate or packed for picnics, including gourmet sandwiches, salads, and light snacks.

• Ensure all packed meals are presented in an attractive and convenient manner for guests to enjoy during their activities.

Afternoon Tea (Future development):

• Offer a traditional afternoon tea service with an array of freshly baked scones, pastries, finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas.

• Create a charming and elegant tea experience that reflects the refined atmosphere of Penninghame Estate.

Fine Dining Dinners

• Design and execute exquisite multi-course dinners that showcase the best of local and seasonal produce, with a focus on creativity and presentation.

• Tailor menus to accommodate guests' preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring a personalized and memorable dining experience.

Special Events and Private Parties (Advertised to General public):

• Provide bespoke catering services for special events and private parties, including themed dinners, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

• Collaborate with guests to plan and execute unique dining experiences that exceed expectations.

Pop-Up Restaurant (Advertised to General public):

• Establish a seasonal pop-up restaurant that showcases innovative dishes, featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

• Create a dynamic and interactive dining experience that offers a unique culinary adventure.

• Collaborate with visiting chefs and food artisans to host special events and tasting menus.

Develop the Cooking School:

To complement the culinary experience at Penninghame Estate, we are also establishing a cooking school to offer guests hands-on learning opportunities.

These cooking classes are designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced home cooks, and will be taught by our experienced chef. Each session focuses on different cuisines, techniques, and seasonal ingredients, providing a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.
With these comprehensive chef services and cooking school offerings, Penninghame Estate aims to provide an exceptional culinary journey that enhances the overall guest experience.

Walled garden

Our walled garden is being established, and our head gardener is experienced at collaborating with chefs to create a functional garden that gives seasonal provision of vegetables, fruits and herbs for us at the cooking school and in the main kitchen

Gin Distillery
This is currently under construction to provide a small level of production as well as guest experience opportunities. There is an opportunity to be trained in the distilling process and specifically in relation to recipe development.

In Closing

This is the start of a journey, and we are looking for a chef that is up for the challenge of joining a core team to help and expand and develop the Penninghame vision.

The position comes with a studio apartment on the estate with utilities covered as part of the terms and conditions. The salary is circa £42 k per annum.

Please visit www.penninghame.com for more information and imagery.

Please send cv to penninghame Estate with covering letter.

There is a seasonal gardeners role available march to October and also a potential for an office administrator on 25 to 30 hours per week.