Mike Mountain

Head Chef | Hospitality & Operations Manager

m.c.mountain@email.com 0034 624 504 287 Spain
Right to Work in Spain Native English Intermediate Spanish

Professional Summary

Ambitious and driven professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality and retail leisure industry, encompassing both front and back-of-house operations. Equipped with strong business acumen and the essential skills to manage successful venues, from luxury villas and top-ranked independent restaurants to high-volume corporate pub chains. An effective communicator and collaborative team player with the initiative to take executive leads or work independently. Tech-savvy with a 2:1 degree in Computer Science, advanced computer literacy, and a comprehensive understanding of operating systems. Passionate about culinary creativity, menu design, and utilizing fresh, high-quality produce to elevate the complete guest experience.

Featured Creations

Salmon Wellington
Plated Elegance
Tapas Platter
Tapas Selection
Fajitas and Tacos
Authentic Tex-Mex
Loaded Dish
Fresh Ingredients
Lemon Tart
House Desserts

Core Competencies

Operational Leadership

Venue Management, Budgeting, Stock Management, Due Diligence, Health & Safety Compliance, Operating Systems.

Culinary Excellence

Professional Cookery, Menu Design & Engineering, High-Volume Service, Quality Control.

Team & Guest Relations

Team Building & Motivation, Staff Training, Customer Service Excellence, Cash Handling, Front-of-House Operations.

"Crafting menus with precision and passion."

Professional Experience

Manager (Previously Chef)

Jan 2026 – Present
Hacienda Horses Luxury Horse Riding Villa | Spain
  • Directed comprehensive operations of a luxury riding villa during the owner's absence, ensuring seamless continuity of business and exceptional guest satisfaction.
  • Transitioned rapidly from an initial culinary role to executive management, overseeing facility maintenance, hospitality services, and staff coordination.

Head Chef

May 2023 – Sep 2024
Tomahawks | Vila Fortun, Cambrils, Spain
  • Collaborated on menu development and the overall culinary experience for a newly opened steakhouse and grill adjacent to the region's largest camping parks.
  • Delivered a diverse offering of classic British/Irish dishes alongside local cuisine, enhancing the dining experience for a varied international clientele.

Chef / Owner

Jan 2019 – Present
T-Bones and Tacos | Salou, Costa Daurada, Spain
  • Founded and operated a highly successful steakhouse and authentic Mexican eatery, achieving TripAdvisor's #1 ranking among 353 regional restaurants within the first year.
  • Engineered a fresh, in-house menu featuring premium steaks and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine.
  • Led a dedicated team of 12, ensuring operational excellence, consistent customer satisfaction, and successfully navigating industry challenges to remodel and enhance the venue.

Head of Catering

Apr 2016 – Dec 2018
RJP Group | Salou, Costa Daurada, Spain
  • Spearheaded catering operations across premier venues, significantly boosting hospitality revenue for the group.
  • Managed the high-pressure kitchen for the renowned House of Illusion, a 250-seat dinner and magic show, ensuring flawless timing and guest satisfaction.
  • Executed comprehensive stock management and budgeting across multiple kitchens, optimizing food costs and minimizing waste.
  • Oversaw the staff kitchen, providing meals for over 100 employees daily during peak season, which improved operational efficiency and team morale.

"Elevating the complete guest experience."

Education & Certifications

Higher Education

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

University of Bradford

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1)

Culinary & Hospitality

  • NVQ Level 1, 2 & 3 in Professional Cookery
  • NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision
  • Intermediate & Basic Food Hygiene

Licensing & Management

  • Mitchells and Butlers Management Foundation Course (MFC)
  • BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH)
  • BIIAB Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH)
  • ABCQ Cellar Management Training Course

Secondary Education

Bingley Grammar School
A Levels / GCSEs: English Language (A*), English Literature (A*), Maths (A), Double Award Science (AA), Religious Studies (C), German (C).
Other: RSA Text Processing