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 venues.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth, in-house training, and a fun annual staff party.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a lively environment 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 - 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.
- 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
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.
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
Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
At Lake View Garden Bar, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment where our Head Chef can truly shine. Nestled by the stunning waterfront in Bowness-on-Windermere, you'll lead a passionate kitchen team, enjoy competitive pay, and benefit from a range of perks including free meals, discounts across our venues, and opportunities for professional development. Join us and be part of a multi-brand hospitality group that values your growth and well-being while delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, visit Lake View Garden Bar if you can. Check out the vibe, the menu, and the team. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the kitchen's success.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led a kitchen team in the past. Talk about how you set standards and drove performance, as this is key for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss food safety and hygiene. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations and be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen. This shows you're serious about maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining the Lake View Garden Bar team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Full Time in Windermere
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just about the food, but about creating memorable dining experiences.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past and any successful projects you've led. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence in their kitchen!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific dishes you've created, how you've managed high-volume services, or any awards you've received. This helps us understand your capabilities and how you can contribute to our busy kitchen.
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 us you’re keen to join the Lake View Garden Bar family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hargreaves Enterprises
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the dishes served at Lake View Garden Bar. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, how you would improve them, and any seasonal changes you might suggest. This shows your passion for the role and your understanding of the venue's vibe.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen before. Talk about how you motivate your team, handle conflicts, and ensure high standards are met consistently. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership of the kitchen.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety is crucial, be ready to talk about your experience with hygiene practices and compliance. Mention any relevant certifications you have and how you ensure your team adheres to these standards. This will highlight your commitment to maintaining a safe kitchen environment.
✨Prepare Questions for the Executive Chef
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask the Executive Chef. Inquire about their vision for the kitchen, how they support their team, or what challenges they foresee. This shows your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute positively to the team.
