At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, delivering high-quality dishes in a busy 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 venues.
- Other info: Enjoy real progression opportunities and a fun annual staff party.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic kitchen with a supportive Executive Chef.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 35040 - 35040 € 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. 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
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health and wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Work location: In person
Pay: £17.00 per hour
Head Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere) employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
At Lake View Garden Bar, located in the stunning Bowness-on-Windermere, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment where our team can thrive. As part of Hargreaves Enterprises, you will enjoy competitive pay, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for professional development through in-house training and qualifications. Join us in a dynamic kitchen that celebrates individuality and fosters real ownership, all while serving guests who are ready to enjoy their holiday experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere)
✨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 menu. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in high-pressure situations. We want to see that you can handle the heat!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to food safety and hygiene. We take this seriously at Lake View Garden Bar, so make sure you can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Hargreaves Enterprises.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure you’ve read through the job specs thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what it takes to run a busy kitchen like ours at Lake View Garden Bar.
Show Off Your Experience:When you’re writing your application, highlight your previous experience as a Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef. We’re looking for someone who’s confident and ready to take ownership of the kitchen, so let us know how you’ve done that in the past!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re not just looking for skills; we want to know who you are and how you’ll fit into our team. A bit of passion goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to show us you’re serious about joining 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 kitchen operations at Lake View Garden Bar. Understand their menu, the type of cuisine they serve, and how they manage high-volume services. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a kitchen or led a team through busy services. Highlight your ability to train and develop staff, as well as how you maintain high standards and consistency in food quality.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
Since managing stock and controlling GP margins are key responsibilities, come prepared to discuss your strategies for minimising waste and managing supplier relationships. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully controlled costs while maintaining quality.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality
This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience for guests. Be ready to express your passion for the hospitality industry and how you can enhance the dining experience at Lake View Garden Bar. Mention any awards or recognitions you've received that reflect your commitment to excellence.
