At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our fire cooking kitchen and help create exceptional dishes.
- Company: Halwyn, a rising star in Cornwall's culinary scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, free parking, and staff perks.
- Other info: Work hard in a dynamic environment with real responsibility.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team aiming for culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in professional kitchens with fine dining experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Work with fire. Build something exceptional.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This isn't another casual dining restaurant hoping to be good. We're pushing Halwyn to be one of Cornwall's most respected kitchens.
Fire is at the heart of everything:
- Josper charcoal grill as our centrepiece
- Live flames, high heat, instinctive cooking
- Technique-driven but not precious
Obsessive about produce:
- Trevowah Herd beef from the farm
- Day-boat fish from Wing Of St Mawes
- Relationships with every supplier
- Seasonality that actually means something
Real ambition:
- Building toward rosettes and recognition
- Monthly special events and collaborations
- Developing our team properly
- Creating food worth travelling for
THE ROLE
Join Us in Halwyn's fire cooking kitchen in Crantock, North Cornwall.
Head Chef Matthew's background:
- 3 AA Rosettes at The Idle Rocks (Relais & Chateaux)
- Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay)
- Marcus Wareing's Tredwells
- International experience across France and Malta
- 14 years honing his craft in some of the UK's most respected kitchens
We are building something different in Cornwall - and he needs a right-hand who can match his standards.
What that means:
- Running sections to his standard when he's on the pass
- Eventually running full services when he's not there
- Mentoring a young CDP and apprentice - teaching them properly
- Taking ownership of prep, ordering, stock management
- Helping develop menu ideas and seasonal changes
- Being the other voice of authority in the kitchen
You won't be:
- Just another pair of hands doing what you're told
- Stuck on one section forever
- Working for someone who doesn't know their craft
- In a kitchen without ambition or standards
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Experience that matters:
- 5+ years in professional kitchens minimum
- Strong across all sections
- Worked somewhere with real standards - rosettes, Michelin, serious chef-driven restaurants
- You stay calm when it gets chaotic
- You lead by example, not by shouting
- You want to grow, not just survive
- You understand that great food comes from great discipline
- Experience with charcoal/fire cooking
- Time in fine dining kitchens
- You're at the stage where you want more responsibility
WHAT WE OFFER
- £35,000 per year
- 5 days per week - Wednesday to Sunday, two consecutive days off
- Tips on top shared fairly across the team
- Proper kitchen - Josper grill, quality equipment, space to work
- A platform - we're building something that will get noticed. Your name will be attached to quality.
- The chance to be part of something from the ground up - Halwyn opened July 2025
- Staff perks: Free parking, pension, use of the mini-golf and driving range if that's your thing
This role isn't easy. It's a small team (currently just Head Chef, a CDP, and an apprentice) so you'll be working hard. We're in a feasting barn on a family farm, not a five-star hotel. Peak season in Cornwall is intense.
But if you're tired of coasting, if you want to work for someone who knows what excellent looks like, and if you're ready to be trusted with real responsibility - this could be the best move you make.
LOCATION
Halwyn - Crantock, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5QS
- 5 minutes from Newquay
- 10 minutes from Crantock Beach
- North Cornwall
HOW TO APPLY
Contact: Head Chef Matthew Haggath
Send:
- Your CV
- A short note explaining why this role interests you
- Your notice period and availability
Please note: An interview and trial shift will be required. We're looking to move quickly for the right person.
Locations
Sous Chef in Cornwall, Newquay employer: Halwyn
At Halwyn, located in the picturesque Crantock, Cornwall, we are not just another restaurant; we are on a mission to create an exceptional dining experience driven by fire and quality produce. Our work culture is rooted in ambition and collaboration, offering you the chance to grow alongside a talented team under the guidance of experienced chefs. With competitive pay, shared tips, and unique perks like free parking and access to recreational facilities, joining us means being part of a kitchen that values discipline, creativity, and the pursuit of culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Cornwall, Newquay
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe before you apply! Swing by Halwyn, chat with the team, and soak up the atmosphere. It’ll give you a feel for what they’re about and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
When you reach out, don’t just send your CV. Include a personal note that shows your passion for fire cooking and why you want to be part of Halwyn’s journey. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that trial shift like it’s the real deal! Brush up on your charcoal cooking skills and be ready to showcase your technique. Show them you can handle the heat and lead by example.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your application! A quick message to express your enthusiasm can set you apart. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team at Halwyn.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Cornwall, Newquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in professional kitchens, especially focusing on your time in fine dining and with charcoal cooking. We want to see your journey and how you've honed your craft!
Write a Personal Note:In your short note, let us know why this role at Halwyn excites you. Share your passion for cooking and how you align with our ambition to create something exceptional in Cornwall. Be genuine!
Showcase Your Skills:When detailing your experience, emphasise your ability to stay calm under pressure and your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who leads by example, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halwyn
✨Know Your Fire Cooking
Make sure you brush up on your charcoal and fire cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with live flames and how you've used them to create exceptional dishes. This is a key part of the role, so showing your passion for this cooking style will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 5+ years in professional kitchens, you’ll want to highlight your journey. Talk about the high standards you've worked under, especially if you've been in rosette or Michelin-starred environments. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to those kitchens.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be mentoring a young CDP and apprentice, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Discuss how you lead by example and maintain calm during busy service times. Prepare to share anecdotes that showcase your ability to inspire and teach others.
✨Be Ready for a Trial Shift
Expect to demonstrate your skills in a trial shift. Use this opportunity to show your technique, creativity, and how well you work with the team. Prepare mentally for a fast-paced environment and think about how you can make a positive impact from day one.
