At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes in a busy waterfront venue.
- Company: Join the award-winning Lake View Garden Bar, part of Hargreaves Enterprises.
- Benefits: Earn £17.00 per hour, enjoy free meals, discounts, and access to training.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with great team spirit and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a lively environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 35040 - 35040 € per year.
Work somewhere worth running a kitchen. Imagine leading a kitchen where the terrace is packed, the lake is right outside, and every service has the energy of peak season. This isn't a quiet backstreet kitchen. Lake View Garden Bar is a busy, three-level waterfront venue in Bowness-on-Windermere, serving fresh food and drinks to guests who are genuinely on holiday and in a good mood. We're a Cumbria Tourism Awards finalist and Best Beer Garden award winner, and the standard we hold ourselves to reflects that.
We're looking for a Head Chef who can take real ownership of the kitchen, lead a team with confidence, and deliver consistent, high-quality food in a high-volume environment. You'll work closely with and report to our Executive Chef, so you'll have strong leadership above you as well as a team below you.
- Leading the kitchen team day-to-day, setting standards and driving performance
- Delivering consistent, high-quality dishes across busy services
- Controlling GP margins and minimising waste
- Ensuring food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all times
- Training and developing your team on skills and consistency
- Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider management team to keep service running smoothly across the venue
About Lake View Garden Bar and Hargreaves Enterprises: Lake View Garden Bar is part of Hargreaves Enterprises, a multi-brand hospitality group that also runs The Cranleigh Boutique Hotel, BAHA, and The Fizzy Tart. You'll have the autonomy to make an impact in your kitchen, with the support of an experienced Executive Chef to help you grow.
This role suits someone who's confident running a kitchen, not just working in one.
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up
- Strong on standards, consistency, and kitchen discipline
- Food safety and hygiene knowledge (Level 2 minimum)
- Available for evenings, weekends, and peak seasons
Pay: £17.00 per hour
- Monthly tip pool
- Free meals on shift
- Discounts across all Hargreaves Enterprises venues
- Access to in-house training and industry qualifications (Level 2 to 5)
- Annual staff party
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health and wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Executive Sous Chef, Full Time in Windermere employer: Employer near you
At Lake View Garden Bar, part of the esteemed Hargreaves Enterprises, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment where culinary excellence meets stunning lakeside views. As an Executive Sous Chef, you'll enjoy a supportive leadership structure, opportunities for professional growth through in-house training, and a culture that celebrates teamwork and high standards. With competitive pay, free meals, and a range of employee benefits, including discounts across our venues and a focus on health and wellbeing, this is more than just a job; it's a chance to thrive in a rewarding hospitality career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Sous Chef, Full Time in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and hospitality professionals. Attend local events, join culinary groups, or even hit up social media platforms to find opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gives you a chance to impress potential employers but also helps you build your personal brand in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants or venues you admire, like Lake View Garden Bar. A well-timed email or call can put you on their radar before they even start looking for candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and growing! Take advantage of any training opportunities available, whether it’s through in-house programmes or online courses. The more skills you have, the more attractive you’ll be to employers looking for a confident leader in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Sous Chef, Full Time in Windermere
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. We want to see that you’re not just about the job, but that you genuinely care about creating amazing dishes and leading a team to do the same.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to emphasise your experience in leading a kitchen team. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage others, so share examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy environment before.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about the specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. We want to know how you’ve maintained high standards and consistency in your cooking, especially during peak times.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Employer near you
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the menu and the kitchen operations at Lake View Garden Bar. Research their signature dishes and think about how you can contribute to their high standards. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Sous Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or trained staff in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining standards and driving performance in a busy environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are crucial, brush up on your knowledge of regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you train your team to uphold these standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life kitchen scenarios, like handling peak service times or managing food waste. Think through your strategies for these situations and be ready to share your thought process. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.