At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes in a bustling waterfront venue.
- Company: Join the award-winning Lake View Garden Bar, part of Hargreaves Enterprises.
- Benefits: Earn £17.00 per hour, enjoy free meals, and access discounts across venues.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team and a fun annual staff party!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 35040 - 36480 € 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.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading the kitchen team day-to-day, setting standards and driving performance
- Delivering consistent, high-quality dishes across busy services
- Managing stock, ordering, and supplier relationships
- 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. We're not a chain. Each venue has its own identity, and we back our people to lead their departments with real purpose. You'll have the autonomy to make an impact in your kitchen, with the support of an experienced Executive Chef to help you grow.
What we're looking for:
- 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
- Comfortable leading a team in a busy, high-volume environment
- Strong on standards, consistency, and kitchen discipline
- Confident managing stock, costs, and GP margins
- Food safety and hygiene knowledge (Level 2 minimum)
- Able to take full ownership of day-to-day back of house operations
- Available for evenings, weekends, and peak seasons
- Hands-on and willing to get involved during busy service
What's in it for you:
- £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)
- Real progression within the business for the right person
- Annual staff party
Ready to apply? Hit Apply to be taken to our careers page and tell us a bit about your experience.
Benefits:
- 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
Work location: In person
Pay: £17.00 per hour
Head Chef Lake District in Windermere employer: Employer near you
At Lake View Garden Bar, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment where our team can thrive. As part of Hargreaves Enterprises, you will enjoy the autonomy to lead your kitchen with purpose, backed by a supportive management team and opportunities for professional growth through in-house training and industry qualifications. With competitive pay, free meals on shift, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, this is an excellent opportunity for passionate chefs looking to make their mark in a stunning lakeside location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Lake District in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, spend some time at Lake View Garden Bar. Experience the vibe, taste the food, and chat with the staff. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in high-pressure situations. We want to see that you can handle the heat and keep standards high, even when things get busy.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision for the kitchen. Think about how you would manage stock, control costs, and minimise waste. We love candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table and demonstrate their understanding of running a successful kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Lake View Garden Bar. We can’t wait to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Lake District 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 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 showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and any successful projects you've led. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific cuisines you've worked with, types of services you've managed, and any achievements that stand out. This helps us understand how your background aligns with our busy kitchen environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to show us why you’d be a great fit for Lake View Garden Bar. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 Lake View Garden Bar’s menu and the type of cuisine they serve. Think about how your experience aligns with their style and be ready to discuss specific dishes you could bring to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored staff in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards and keep morale up during busy services.
✨Discuss Cost Control Strategies
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing stock, controlling GP margins, and minimising waste. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented in previous roles that have led to cost savings without compromising quality.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are paramount, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and any training you’ve provided to your team on these important topics.
