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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small kitchen team and create delicious, homemade meals.
- Company: Join a family-run café in North Carlisle with a warm, welcoming vibe.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours for a perfect work/life balance and earn £15.50 per hour.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your culinary skills can shine and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 2 years of experience in a chef or kitchen lead role.
- Other info: No live-in options; must be eligible to work in the UK.
This family run establishment is a welcoming Cumbrian café and restaurant with a traditional feel, complete with a log fire and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Serving fresh, homemade food prepared to order - never fast food, but food made as fast as they can with care and quality. Their menu includes daily specials, full breakfasts, homemade lunches, light bites, and a wide range of teas, coffees, lagers, ales and spirits. They proudly offer gluten-free options and cater to all appetites with hearty, wholesome meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Role
They are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in a daytime hospitality environment and values fresh, homemade food.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily kitchen operations and manage a small kitchen team
- Prepare and cook high-quality breakfast and lunch dishes to order
- Maintain cleanliness, food safety, and hygiene standards (Level 2/3 Food Safety preferred)
- Plan and execute daily specials and seasonal updates to the menu
- Ensure consistent portion control, presentation, and food quality
- Manage stock levels, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Work collaboratively with front of house to ensure smooth service
- Monitor food costs and minimise waste
Requirements
- Proven experience in a chef or kitchen lead role (minimum 2 years)
- Strong knowledge of traditional British café food and breakfast service
- Ability to manage a small team and stay calm during busy service
- Comfortable with daytime hours and weekend shifts
- Understanding of dietary requirements, including gluten-free
- Positive attitude, reliability, and a genuine passion for fresh food
What We Offer
- £15.50 per hour
- Daytime hours only - great for work/life balance
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunity to shape menus and contribute creatively
Apply for this position below (You must be eligible to work in the UK)
Head Chef - Restaurant employer: Chefs Recruitment (UK)
Contact Detail:
Chefs Recruitment (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Restaurant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local food scene in Cumbria. Understanding the preferences and dietary needs of the community can give you an edge when discussing menu ideas during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for homemade food by preparing a signature dish that reflects your culinary style. This could be a great conversation starter and demonstrate your commitment to quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs and hospitality professionals in the area. Attend local food events or join online forums to connect with others who might provide insights or recommendations about the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience managing a kitchen team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team, especially during busy service times, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Restaurant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in a chef or kitchen lead role, particularly focusing on traditional British café food and breakfast service. Include specific examples of your achievements in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fresh, homemade food and your ability to manage a small team. Mention your understanding of dietary requirements and how you can contribute creatively to the menu.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any food safety qualifications (Level 2/3), be sure to mention them. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in the kitchen.
Showcase Your Personality: In your application, let your personality shine through. The establishment values a positive attitude and reliability, so share anecdotes that reflect your character and work ethic in a hospitality environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chefs Recruitment (UK)
✨Show Your Passion for Fresh Food
Make sure to express your genuine love for cooking and fresh ingredients during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've used locally sourced products in your previous roles, as this aligns with the restaurant's values.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a small team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, especially during busy service times.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with traditional British café food and be ready to discuss how you would approach menu planning and daily specials. This shows that you're not only knowledgeable but also enthusiastic about contributing creatively.
✨Highlight Your Food Safety Knowledge
Since maintaining cleanliness and food safety is crucial, be prepared to talk about your experience with food hygiene standards. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, such as Level 2/3 Food Safety, to demonstrate your commitment to high standards.
