At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to prepare and serve delicious meals.
- Company: Join Whitbread, a top name in the hospitality industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, and a £40 meal voucher on joining.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until September 2026 with no zero hours.
- Why this job: Take your culinary career to the next level with training and support.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and a passion for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14.91 - 14.91 £ per hour.
We're currently recruiting in our BARBLOCK Portsmouth Dockyard. Working 35 hours per week, paying up to £14.91 per hour.
Come and be a Head Chef at BARBLOCK Portsmouth Dockyard. Take the next step in your managerial career by working closely with our Kitchen Manager in leading our kitchen team to prepare, cook and serve our mouth-watering meals. Immediate start, catering experience needed.
PAY RATE: Up to £14.91 per hour
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term Contract (September 2026) – we don’t do zero hours contracts!
HOURS: 35 hours per week
LOCATION: Queen St, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3EE
Why you’ll love it here:
- Training and support: We’ve got the user-friendly equipment that will make your life easier from the start and the training that’ll give you a career path in our kitchens and beyond!
- Whitbread Benefits card: Enjoy up to 60% off Premier Inn rooms and 25% off meals in Whitbread Restaurants
- Pension and saving schemes: Company pension and save as you earn scheme
- Discounts: Get money off shops, your utility bills, travel, cinema trips, supermarkets and more
- Have a meal on us: You'll receive a £40 voucher to spend in our restaurant when you join us
What you’ll do:
Join our team at BARBLOCK Portsmouth Dockyard as a Head Chef, as part of the kitchen team cooking the dishes our guests love. Use your passion for food to move your career forward and be part of the UK’s leading hospitality business, Whitbread.
Locations
Kitchen - Head Chef - Portsmouth employer: Bar & Block
At Whitbread, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters growth and development for our kitchen team. As a Head Chef at BARBLOCK Portsmouth Dockyard, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a competitive pay rate, and exclusive discounts, all while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere in a prime location. Join us to take your culinary career to the next level with a company that values your contributions and invests in your future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen - Head Chef - Portsmouth
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bar & Block. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bar & Block
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bar & Block directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen - Head Chef - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bar & Block and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bar & Block
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
