At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes and training your team.
- Company: Join the award-winning Lake View Garden Bar in a stunning waterfront location.
- Benefits: Earn £17 per hour, enjoy free meals, discounts, and access to training.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen with a supportive team.
- 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
Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere employer: Employer near you
At Lake View Garden Bar, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and dynamic workplace where creativity thrives and every team member is valued. Located in the stunning Bowness-on-Windermere, our award-winning venue offers not only competitive pay and benefits like free meals and discounts across our hospitality group but also ample opportunities for professional growth through in-house training and mentorship. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team in a lively environment that celebrates exceptional food and memorable guest experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit Lake View Garden Bar if you can. Check out the vibe, the menu, and the team. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their busy kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When chatting with the hiring team, share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen before. Talk about how you’ve trained staff, maintained standards, and handled busy services. They want to see that you can take charge and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical test! For a Head Chef role, you might be asked to whip up a dish or two during the interview process. Brush up on your signature dishes and be prepared to showcase your cooking skills under pressure. It’s your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a Head Chef. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly enjoys the art of cooking.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to inspire our kitchen crew at Lake View Garden Bar.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like how you improved food quality or reduced waste. We love numbers and results, so show us how you've made an impact in your previous kitchens.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your personality and skills in the way we love to see!
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 speak confidently about how you can lead the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team, managed high-pressure situations, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will help the interviewers see that you can take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety is crucial in any kitchen, be ready to discuss your knowledge and experience regarding hygiene standards. Mention any relevant certifications you hold and how you’ve implemented food safety practices in previous roles. This will reassure them that you prioritise compliance and quality.
✨Prepare Questions for the Executive Chef
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions for the Executive Chef. Ask about their vision for the kitchen, how they support their team, or what challenges they foresee. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
