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 training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression and a fun annual staff party!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a lively environment with a supportive team.
- 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.
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 Tarté. 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?
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
Head 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 day brings new opportunities. As part of Hargreaves Enterprises, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers competitive pay, and provides access to in-house training and career progression. With stunning lakeside views and a busy atmosphere, this is not just a job; it's a chance to lead a passionate team and make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit Lake View Garden Bar and soak in 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 a great way to showcase your leadership and culinary skills in action.
✨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 Head Chef - Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking 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.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to emphasise your experience in leading a kitchen team. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage others, so share examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy environment before.
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 managed, and any specific achievements that showcase your skills. We love a good story!
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 from us. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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 kitchen operations at Lake View Garden Bar. Understand their menu, the type of cuisine they serve, and any unique aspects of their service. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen or led a team during busy services. Highlight your ability to train staff and maintain high standards, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Cost Management Confidently
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing stock, controlling GP margins, and minimising waste. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully handled these aspects in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of the kitchen's financial health.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Since food safety and hygiene are paramount, ensure you’re up to date with the latest regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your Level 2 food safety knowledge and how you’ve implemented these standards in your previous kitchens to ensure compliance.
