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 £17.00 per hour, enjoy free meals, and access discounts across venues.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth with in-house training and a supportive management team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant kitchen while enjoying a fun work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 € 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
Weekend Head Chef 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 Weekend Head Chef in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit Lake View Garden Bar and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you understand the vibe and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the Executive Chef values most.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If possible, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your chance to shine and prove you can handle the high-volume environment.
✨Tip Number 4
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.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Head Chef 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 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 dishes you've created, how you've managed busy services, or any challenges you've overcome. This helps us understand how your background aligns with our fast-paced 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 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. Understand their style of cooking and the type of dishes they serve. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you’re ready to take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've trained staff, maintained standards, and handled busy services. This will highlight your ability to lead confidently in a high-volume environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are paramount, brush up on your knowledge of regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, as this will reassure them of your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Prepare Questions About the Venue
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions about Lake View Garden Bar. Ask about their approach to menu development, how they handle peak service times, or what support you can expect from the Executive Chef. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.