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: Be part of a supportive team with a focus on training and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
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. We're not a chain. Each venue has its own identity, and we back our people to lead their departments with real purpose. 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? Hit Apply to be taken to our careers page and tell us a bit about your experience.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Work location: In person
Pay: £17.00 per hour
Head Chef Lake District employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
At Lake View Garden Bar, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment where our team can thrive. As part of Hargreaves Enterprises, you will enjoy the autonomy to lead your kitchen with purpose, backed by an experienced Executive Chef and a supportive management team. With competitive pay, free meals on shift, and opportunities for professional development, this is not just a job; it's a chance to grow in a rewarding hospitality career in the stunning Lake District.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Lake District
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, spend some time at Lake View Garden Bar. Familiarise yourself with the menu and the vibe. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your conversation.
✨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 management values most. Plus, it might just give you a leg up in the hiring process!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led a team in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to maintain standards and keep morale high, especially during busy services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lake View Garden Bar team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Lake District
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. Share your experiences that highlight your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role at Lake View Garden Bar. Mention your experience in high-volume kitchens and how you've led teams to success in similar environments.
Highlight Leadership Skills:We want to see how you can lead a kitchen team with confidence. Include examples of how you've trained and developed your team, managed stock, and maintained high standards in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to hit 'Apply' on our careers page! It's the best way for us to get your application and for you to show us why you're the perfect fit for our busy kitchen 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 Lake View Garden Bar’s menu and the type of cuisine they serve. Think about how your experience aligns with their style and be ready to discuss specific dishes you could bring to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed a kitchen in the past, focusing on team dynamics, training, and performance improvement. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire your team during busy services.
✨Discuss Stock Management Strategies
Be ready to talk about your approach to managing stock and supplier relationships. Share any systems or processes you’ve implemented to control costs and minimise waste, as this is crucial for maintaining GP margins in a high-volume environment.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable in any kitchen. Brush up on the latest regulations and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, like Level 2 food safety, to reinforce your commitment to maintaining high standards.
