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- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality dishes for an iconic summer festival.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, a renowned cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free shuttle bus, onsite parking, and training provided.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create unforgettable culinary experiences this summer.
- Qualifications: Energetic, creative individuals; previous kitchen experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to work alongside award-winning chefs.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering. We are recruiting Chefs of all grades to join our kitchen team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026.
As a chef at Glyndebourne, you will work closely with our Area Chef Steve Groves, Winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and National Chef of the Year, and Executive Head Chef Lee Redman, recently awarded Compass Senior Chef of the Year, along with their senior team, to create an exceptional dining experience worthy of this iconic venue.
This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including weekend work. The role includes preparing and cooking high-quality dishes, supporting menu delivery across multiple outlets, maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and food safety, and working closely with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless guest experience. Duties will be matched to your skills, experience, and level of expertise.
We are looking for passionate, hardworking individuals with energy, creativity, and a positive, can-do attitude. You will be able to work calmly under pressure, collaborate effectively in a team, and take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Previous experience in a professional kitchen is advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay depending on grade and experience
- Weekly paid tronc
- Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
- Free onsite parking
- The opportunity to work in Chef Steve Groves’ restaurant and across Glyndebourne’s kitchens at one of the UK’s most iconic cultural venues
Interviews will be held in February 2026. If your application is successful, we will be in touch at the beginning of February 2026 to invite you to interview. Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people. Apply today to join our kitchen team and be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August) employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take some time to research Glyndebourne Opera House and its culinary offerings. This will not only impress the interviewers but also help you understand the vibe and expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you’re chatting with the team, let your enthusiasm for cooking and hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences in the kitchen and what excites you about working at such a prestigious venue.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! Since this is a casual position with varying hours, highlight your willingness to work weekends and adjust to the needs of the kitchen. Flexibility is key in a busy environment like Glyndebourne.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity at Glyndebourne and how you can contribute to creating exceptional dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, even if it’s not extensive. Focus on any kitchen roles or culinary skills you have, and don’t forget to mention your ability to work under pressure and in a team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so let it come through in your writing while keeping it professional.
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 this exciting role at Glyndebourne.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience in the kitchen. Think about specific dishes you've prepared and any techniques you're particularly proud of. This will show your passion for cooking and your ability to contribute to the team.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since this role requires flexibility with hours and weekend work, be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or worked under pressure. This will demonstrate that you're ready to meet the demands of a busy summer festival.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Glyndebourne values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Talk about your communication skills and how you support your colleagues in a kitchen environment. This will show that you can contribute to a positive working atmosphere.
✨Express Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for food and hospitality shine through during the interview. Share what excites you about working at Glyndebourne and how you can contribute to creating exceptional dining experiences. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you're perceived by the interviewers.
