At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create innovative pan-Asian menus.
- Company: Join the prestigious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, known for luxury and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, staff meals, and generous gratuities.
- Why this job: Be part of a Michelin-recommended restaurant and make your mark in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef with a passion for Asian cuisine.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Set within the five‑star Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Gilpin Spice is a 2‑AA‑Rosette, Michelin-recommended open‑plan restaurant serving pan‑Asian dishes with flair, fire, and finesse. It’s fast-paced, full of personality, and loved by guests for its immersive, relaxed luxury. We’re now looking for an exceptional Head Chef to lead this exciting restaurant into its next chapter.
The Role of Head Chef:
As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen—driving creativity, consistency, and an outstanding guest experience. You’ll lead a talented brigade, develop menus that celebrate the spice trail, and ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing as a Head Chef:
- Leads and inspires the Gilpin Spice kitchen team.
- Designs innovative, flavour‑driven menus rooted in Asian cuisines.
- Manages kitchen operations, stock, GP, and compliance.
- Trains, develops, and mentors chefs at all levels.
- Collaborates with senior leadership on strategy, guest experience, and brand evolution.
- Upholds Gilpin’s values of warmth, excellence, and genuine hospitality.
What We’re Looking For:
- A Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
- Deep knowledge of Asian flavours and cooking techniques.
- A creative, energetic leader who thrives in a busy open kitchen.
- Someone who values people, culture, and team development.
- A passion for delivering exceptional food with consistency and flair, whilst enhancing the guest experience at every opportunity.
What We Offer:
- The chance to be part of a team who excel at teamwork.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Staff meals, uniform, generous gratuities.
- The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars, and two Michelin Keys.
- The prestige of working within two of the world’s most respected hospitality networks: Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels.
If you’re ready to bring your talent, imagination, and leadership to one of the region’s most exciting restaurants, we’d love to hear from you.
Location: Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Position: Full-Time | Competitive Salary | Immediate Start
Salary: from £45,000 to £50,000 depending on experience
Gratuities are allocated on a points basis, depending on development tiers. Although variable, average levels are projected as being £877 per month.
Head Chef in Windermere employer: Château de Mercuès
Contact Detail:
Château de Mercuès Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your menu ideas and cooking techniques. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for Asian cuisine.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! Contact the Gilpin Spice team through our website and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the restaurant’s values and menu. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional guest experiences while leading a talented kitchen team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Windermere
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for Asian cuisine shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that fire and flair in your words, just like in your cooking.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a talented team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired and developed others in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can bring out the best in their team!
Be Creative with Your Menu Ideas: We want to know how you would design innovative, flavour-driven menus. Include some of your ideas or concepts in your application to demonstrate your creativity and understanding of Asian flavours. Show us what you can bring to Gilpin Spice!
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Gilpin Spice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Château de Mercuès
✨Know Your Flavours
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Asian flavours and cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into innovative, flavour-driven menus that will wow the guests.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop chefs at all levels, as well as how you manage kitchen operations effectively.
✨Emphasise Guest Experience
Think about how you can enhance the guest experience through your culinary creations. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would uphold the restaurant's values of warmth and genuine hospitality.
✨Be Ready for a Fast-Paced Environment
Since the restaurant is known for its fast-paced atmosphere, come equipped with stories that demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining quality and consistency in your dishes.