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
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
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.