Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen team, crafting delicious dishes and managing food inventory.
- Company: Join a well-established family business expanding across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and generous discounts at restaurants and stores.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary creativity and take pride in your work every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens, creativity, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Other info: No evening shifts, closed on major holidays, and great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Full Time Hours Per Week - Including Weekends. Flexible.
British Garden Centres has announced the acquisition of Downtown Garden Centre in Grantham. This move continues the group’s dynamic start to 2026 and extends its national portfolio to 75 centres across the UK.
We are looking for a Head Chef to bring your ideas and talents to our Restaurant. Managing and working closely with other Chefs of all levels. Creating menu items, recipes and developing dishes ensuring variety and quality. Determining food inventory needs, stocking and ordering. Ultimately responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including sanitary and food safety guidelines.
If you are looking for a role where you are given the opportunity to take pride in your work, where you can create your own ideas for specials and home baking, we would love to hear from you. Salary negotiable on experience.
What we offer:
- No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year-round business.
- Security of working in a well-established expanding family business & the associated benefits.
- Rate of pay negotiable, dependent upon skills and experience.
- Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday.
- 50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, additionally discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park.
Skills needed:
- Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
- Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.
- Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.
- Knowledge of HACCP.
- Able to manage multiple orders.
- Professionalism and reliability.
- Remain calm under pressure.
- Good time management.
- Level 2 basic food hygiene is an advantage.
Duties include:
- Controlling and directing the food preparation process.
- Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the customer.
- Managing and working closely with other Chefs of all levels.
- Determining food inventory needs, stocking, and ordering.
- Ultimately responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including sanitary and food safety guidelines.
- Being responsible for health and safety.
- Being responsible for food hygiene practices.
- Team management.
- High level attention to detail.
- Experience of kitchen equipment.
- Awareness of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and chemical safety.
To apply: Please send your CV to: Louise Pettican Regional Restaurant Manager lpettican@britishgardencentres.com
Applications close – Wednesday 11 February 2026. Due to the high volume of applications, if your application is successful, someone from the management team will be in touch with you, thank you.
Head Chef in Grantham employer: British Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
British Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Head Chef position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring a portfolio of your best dishes to interviews. This is your chance to impress them with your culinary skills and unique ideas for specials.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your experience! Prepare examples of how you've managed kitchens, handled busy shifts, and ensured food safety. They want to see that you can keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Creativity: When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, let your personality shine through! Share your unique ideas for dishes or specials you've created in the past. We want to see how you can bring your flair to our kitchen!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in busy kitchens and any specific skills that match our needs, like cooking carvery or managing food inventory. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your CV well so it’s easy for us to read. A tidy application reflects your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Garden Centres
✨Show Off Your Culinary Creativity
As a Head Chef, your creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your unique ideas for menu items and specials. Bring along examples of dishes you've created or even a portfolio of your best recipes to showcase your talent.
✨Know Your Kitchen Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food safety guidelines and HACCP regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen. This shows that you take health and safety seriously, which is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team of chefs, so highlight your experience in team management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, handled pressure, and maintained morale during busy shifts.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling multiple orders and maintaining quality under pressure. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you excelled in these areas, and be ready to share them during the interview.
