At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, ensuring high-quality food and team performance under pressure.
- Company: BAHA, a vibrant Asian BBQ restaurant in Bowness-on-Windermere.
- Benefits: Earn £16.00 per hour plus service charge, free meals, and discounts across venues.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing training and real career progression.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and take charge in a fast-paced culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef in high-volume kitchens and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 35000 € per year.
BAHA is a multi-level Asian BBQ and grill restaurant, cocktail bar, and live music venue in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere. We're a 2026 Cumbria Tourism Awards finalist for Casual Dining, and we hold a 5-star food hygiene rating. The food we put out reflects that.
It's a busy venue by design. High volume, high energy, and a kitchen that needs to stay sharp from the first cover to the last. We're looking for a Sous Chef who can do more than just cook. Someone who can run the kitchen when needed, lead a team properly, and keep standards high when the pressure builds.
What makes this role stand out
This isn't just £16.00 per hour. BAHA operates a service charge system, which delivers consistent additional earnings on top of base pay, typically around £1.20 per hour extra. If you can handle the pace and lead a strong service, you'll feel it in your earnings.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting the Executive Chef in the overall running of the kitchen
- Running shifts independently when the Executive Chef is not on site
- Leading the team during service and maintaining control under pressure
- Delivering consistent, high-quality food at volume across a demanding menu
- Managing prep, organisation, and service flow
- Supporting GP control and reducing waste
- Setting standards and holding the team accountable
- Ensuring hygiene, compliance, and structure at all times
About BAHA and Hargreaves Enterprises
BAHA is part of Hargreaves Enterprises, a multi-brand hospitality group that also runs The Cranleigh Boutique Hotel, Lake View Garden Bar, and The Fizzy Tarté. We're not a chain. Each venue has its own identity, and we invest seriously in the people who run them. You'll have real support above you and real trust placed in you to lead.
What we're looking for
- This role is for someone ready to take genuine responsibility in a serious kitchen.
- Solid experience as a Sous Chef in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Confident leading a team and running a shift independently
- Calm, clear, and in control under pressure
- Strong communicator who sets the tone during service
- Someone who takes ownership and cares about consistency and standards
- Strong food safety and hygiene knowledge (Level 2 minimum)
- Available for evenings, weekends, and peak periods
What's in it for you
- £16.00 per hour
- Service charge on top (typically around £1.20 per hour additional)
- Free meals on shift
- Discounts across all Hargreaves Enterprises venues
- Ongoing training and industry qualifications (Level 2 to 5)
- Real progression opportunities within the business
- A role where you're trusted to lead, not just follow
Ready to apply? Hit Apply to be taken to our careers page and tell us 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: £16.00 per hour
Sous Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere) employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
BAHA is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Bowness-on-Windermere, offering a vibrant work environment that thrives on high energy and teamwork. With competitive pay, including service charge earnings, and a commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and real progression opportunities, BAHA fosters a culture of trust and support. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team in a unique venue that values your contributions and encourages your culinary creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into BAHA and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it shows you're genuinely interested and helps you understand the vibe of the place.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure kitchen. We want to see that you can keep calm and maintain standards when the heat is on.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your cooking skills! We might ask you to whip up a dish or two during the interview process. Make sure you’re prepared to showcase your culinary talents and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our team at BAHA. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef Lake District (Bowness-on-windermere)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and what you’ll be doing, so don’t skip this step!
Show Off Your Experience:When you’re writing your application, highlight your experience as a Sous Chef in fast-paced environments. We want to see how you’ve handled pressure and led a team, so give us the good stuff!
Be Yourself: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 vibrant kitchen culture at BAHA.
Apply Through Our Website:Once you’re ready, hit that 'Apply' button on our careers page. It’s the best way to get your application in front of us, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hargreaves Enterprises
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with BAHA's menu. Understand the dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques used. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your ability to contribute to the kitchen's high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to lead a team under pressure. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or handled a busy service. Highlight how you maintained quality and composure during peak times.
✨Emphasise Your Hygiene Knowledge
With a 5-star food hygiene rating at BAHA, it’s crucial to showcase your understanding of food safety standards. Be ready to discuss your Level 2 knowledge and any relevant practices you’ve implemented in previous roles to ensure compliance and reduce waste.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen dynamics, team structure, and expectations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if BAHA is the right fit for you.
