Peripatetic Chef

Job Summary

The Peripatetic Chef role at Barchester Healthcare offers a unique opportunity for qualified chefs to join a sector-leading healthcare provider. This position provides a work-life balance with the chance to make a meaningful impact, supporting multiple care homes in the region by delivering high-quality, fresh food to residents.

Barchester Healthcare is a prestigious organization with a two-star outstanding rating and recognition as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

As a Peripatetic Chef at Barchester Healthcare, you will have the chance to showcase your culinary skills and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting several care home teams. This role offers a personable approach, with a focus on resident wellbeing and the creation of a warm, welcoming environment within the homes.

You will need to demonstrate experience in working with fresh food, a good understanding of nutrition, and strong kitchen management skills. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of company that centers on celebrating life and making a difference.

Barchester Healthcare is a leading healthcare provider in the UK, operating 224 care homes and hospitals. The company is known for its commitment to quality of care, with a two-star outstanding rating and recognition as one of the best companies to work for in the UK. Barchester has an ambitious new build program, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year, and is dedicated to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees.

• Reference number:
• Location:
  
  Barchester Healthcare, Rochester, ME1 2BQ
• Posted: 12 January 2026
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full-time, Part-time
• Salary: £19 an hour

Are you a qualified Chef looking for more of a work life balance whilst looking for an opportunity to make what you do matter? We are currently looking for a Peripatetic Chef to join the Barchester family to help support our care homes in and around the region.

Great opportunity to help support several teams and homes in delivering high quality fresh food. Here at the Barchester family, we work with an open, honest, supportive approach, where quality of care is at the heart of everything we do.

As sector leading healthcare experts, we are proud to have the highest quality ratings across our 224 homes and hospitals across the UK. It is an exciting time to join the Barchester family. We have an ambitious new builds programme, aiming to open 10 brand new purpose-built homes per year.

• A personable approach with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of residents
• A good understanding of nutrition
• Experience of working with fresh seasonal food
• NVQs/SVQs or City & Guilds equivalent, up-to-date food hygiene certification
• Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment within our home
• Confidence engaging with residents
• Strong kitchen management skills

Work life balance - working days with alternate weekends

Competitive rate of pay + travel costs

A range of holiday, retail and leisure discounts

Opportunity to showcase your talent at the annual Barchester Hospitality Awards

Unlimited access to our Refer a Friend bonus scheme

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

For further information please contact Tara Connor on

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