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, training opportunities, and a fun annual staff party.
- 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
Head Chef - Permanent/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, including 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 - Permanent/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. We 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. Prepare a signature dish that showcases your style and skills. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality food under pressure.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the team at Lake View Garden Bar. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Permanent/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 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 running a kitchen.
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 how you plan to maintain high standards at Lake View Garden Bar. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others!
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. This helps us understand how you can bring value to our busy kitchen environment.
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 busy services, and maintained high standards. This will demonstrate that you can take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your food safety and hygiene knowledge during the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with compliance and how you ensure a clean and safe kitchen environment. This is crucial for maintaining the venue's reputation.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask about the kitchen culture, team dynamics, and expectations from the Executive Chef. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
