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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 weekly paid tronc.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to work alongside award-winning chefs.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create unforgettable culinary experiences this summer.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a professional kitchen and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ 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 Chef de Parties to join our kitchen team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026. Potential to take on additional hours in October.
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 essential.
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
Apply today to join our kitchen team and be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Chef of all Grades May - August in Lewes 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 May - August in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even acquaintances in the culinary world. You never know who might have a lead on a job at Glyndebourne or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your culinary creations, bring it along to interviews or share it online. A picture speaks a thousand words, and we all know food is a feast for the eyes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The summer festival will be busy, so showing that you can handle the heat and work weekends will make you stand out. We love a can-do attitude!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and what we’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef of all Grades May - August in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that energy and creativity that makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in professional kitchens and any specific skills that match the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Honest About Your Availability: Since this is a casual position with varying hours, be upfront about your availability. If you can work weekends or have flexibility during the festival, let us know! It helps us understand how you can fit into our busy schedule.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Glyndebourne!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of dishes you might be preparing. Research Glyndebourne's culinary style and ethos, so you can speak confidently about how your skills align with their high standards.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking and hospitality shine through. Share stories about your previous experiences in kitchens, especially any high-pressure situations where you thrived. This will demonstrate your passion and ability to work under pressure.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively with others. Prepare examples of how you've worked as part of a team in past roles, particularly in busy environments. Glyndebourne values teamwork, so showing that you can contribute positively to a kitchen team is key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the kitchen culture, the types of dishes you'll be working on, or how they maintain their high standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.