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 all venues.
- Other info: Enjoy a fun work environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen with strong leadership support.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or a confident 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.
- 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
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
Executive Sous Chef, Full Time employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
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 like free meals and discounts across our venues, but also ample opportunities for professional growth through in-house training and mentoring programmes. 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 Executive Sous Chef, Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a stroll around Lake View Garden Bar. Familiarise yourself with the vibe and the menu. This will help you show genuine interest and give you some great talking points during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times when you've successfully led a team or improved kitchen operations. We want to see how you can take ownership and drive performance in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about food safety and hygiene! Brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This is crucial for us at Lake View Garden Bar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed. Make sure your application reflects your passion for high-quality food and your ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Sous Chef, Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating amazing dishes and leading a team in a vibrant kitchen environment.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to emphasise your experience in leading a kitchen team. We’re looking for someone who can take charge and inspire others, so share examples of how you've successfully managed a team and maintained high standards in a busy setting.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about the types of cuisine you’ve worked with, the volume of service you’ve handled, and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to deliver consistent, high-quality food.
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 Hargreaves Enterprises
✨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 potential Executive Sous Chef, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen environment, focusing on how you set standards and drove performance. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and motivate your team.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety is paramount, brush up on your knowledge of hygiene standards and compliance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with maintaining these standards and how you ensure your team adheres to them. This will show that you take this responsibility seriously.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the kitchen culture, team dynamics, and expectations. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to training and development, as this aligns with your growth ambitions.
