Commis Chef - York Racecourse

Commis Chef - York Racecourse

Seasonal 14 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
Arc Hospitality Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Run your own food section, from prep to service, in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join the vibrant catering team at York Racecourse for the 2026 season.
  • Benefits: Earn £16.25 per hour with holiday pay and gain valuable experience.
  • Other info: Must be available for at least 80% of race days throughout the season.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting atmosphere and showcase your culinary skills at major events.
  • Qualifications: Energetic, hands-on attitude; no prior experience required.

The predicted salary is between 14 - 16 £ per hour.

Are you a hands-on, energetic chef who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment? We’re recruiting Commis-level Retail Chefs to join our food operations team for the 2026 racing season at the iconic York Racecourse.

PAY RATES: £14.50 + holiday pay £1.75 = £16.25 p/h

Location: York Racecourse

Role: Retail Chefs (Entry/Commis Level)

Seasonal Contract | Must be available for at least 80% of race days

This is an exciting opportunity to own your very own food section for the entire season — from prep to service — and be part of one of the UK’s most vibrant racecourse catering teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Running your designated food section for the season (e.g., Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pizza or Griddle).
  • Full section ownership: set-up, prep, cooking, plating, and maintaining service quality.
  • Working closely with a small catering team who handle orders, payments and distribution.
  • Maintaining high food safety and cleanliness standards.
  • Delivering consistent, high-quality food during high-volume service periods.

2026 Race Day Availability

You must be available for at least 80% of the race days, including possible prep days (usually the day before). Key dates include:

  • May: Dante Festival: 13–15 May
  • May Spring Meeting: 23 May
  • June: June Meeting: 12–13 June
  • Summer Music Saturday: 27 June
  • July: John Smith’s Meeting: 10–11 July
  • Music Showcase: 24–25 July
  • August: Ebor Festival: 19–22 August (full attendance strongly preferred)
  • September: September Sunday: 6 September
  • October: October Meeting: 9–10 October

Commitment is extremely important.

Commis Chef - York Racecourse employer: Arc Hospitality Recruitment

Join our dynamic team at York Racecourse, where we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture that values creativity and teamwork. As a Commis Chef, you'll enjoy competitive pay rates, the opportunity to take ownership of your food section, and the chance to grow your culinary skills in a fast-paced environment during one of the UK's most exciting racing seasons. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to high standards, working with us means being part of something truly special.
Arc Hospitality Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Arc Hospitality Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commis Chef - York Racecourse

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with York Racecourse and its vibe. This will help you stand out during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows your enthusiasm for joining the crew.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to showcase your skills! Prepare a mini cooking demo or bring along some photos of your best dishes. This hands-on approach can really impress during any practical assessments.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef - York Racecourse

Food Preparation
Cooking Skills
Plating Skills
Service Quality Maintenance
Food Safety Standards
Cleanliness Standards
Teamwork
Time Management
Customer Focus
High-Volume Service
Adaptability
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for food and how you thrive in a busy kitchen. We want to see that energy and commitment to quality.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Commis Chef role at York Racecourse. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, like your ability to handle high-volume service and maintain food safety standards. It shows us you’re serious about this opportunity!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arc Hospitality Recruitment

✨Know Your Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with the menu items you’ll be working with. Research common ingredients and cooking techniques for burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and griddle dishes. This will show your passion for food and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Show Your Energy

As a Commis Chef in a fast-paced environment, it’s crucial to demonstrate your energy and enthusiasm during the interview. Be lively, smile, and express your excitement about working at York Racecourse. Employers want to see that you can keep up with the hustle!

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Since you’ll be working closely with a small catering team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations.

✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge

Make sure to discuss your understanding of food safety and cleanliness standards. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have, and be prepared to talk about how you maintain hygiene in the kitchen, especially during busy service periods.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>