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 vibrant waterfront setting.
- Benefits: Earn £17 per hour, enjoy free meals, discounts, and access to training.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent 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
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Head Chef - Hospitality - 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 day brings new opportunities. Nestled by the stunning waterfront in Bowness-on-Windermere, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that values personal growth, with access to in-house training and industry qualifications. As part of Hargreaves Enterprises, employees benefit from competitive pay, free meals, and a range of perks that make working here not just a job, but a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Hospitality - 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 in person! If you can, arrange a trial shift or a stage at the venue you're interested in. This gives you a chance to showcase your cooking prowess and get a feel for the kitchen vibe. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your vision! When you land that interview, come prepared to discuss how you’d run the kitchen and what standards you’d set. Show them you’re not just about cooking but also about leading a team and creating an amazing dining experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly. Let’s get you into that kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Hospitality - 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 shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just about the food, but about creating memorable dining experiences.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and how you plan to maintain high standards in our busy kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Tell us about the types of dishes you've created, the volume of service you've managed, and any challenges you've overcome. This helps us understand how your background fits with our vibrant venue.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Lake View Garden Bar!
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 a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team in the past, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are crucial, brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen environment. This will reassure them that you prioritise safety while maintaining high-quality service.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a high-volume setting. Think about past experiences where you had to manage peak times or resolve issues quickly. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
