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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: Passion for cooking; experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, work with award-winning chefs, and enjoy a vibrant kitchen environment.
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
- 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) in Forest Row employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August) in Forest Row
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Glyndebourne! Familiarise yourself with their dining style and the kind of dishes they serve. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your passion for their culinary experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about working there and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt. Since the role requires weekend work and varying hours, showing that you're up for the challenge will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Glyndebourne.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August) in Forest Row
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and hospitality shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional dining experiences, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the role. We’re looking for chefs of all grades, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, show us what you’ve got!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff – just the good stuff!
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 you in the running for an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨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 your commitment to the role and the team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Glyndebourne values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Talk about how you communicate with colleagues and support each other in a busy kitchen environment. This will show that you can contribute to a seamless guest experience.
✨Bring Your Positive Attitude
A positive, can-do attitude is essential for this role. During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to work at such an iconic venue. Share stories that reflect your energy and creativity in the kitchen, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
