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 company events, training opportunities, and a health and wellbeing programme.
- Why this job: Make a real 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.
- 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
Weekend Head Chef in Windermere employer: Hargreaves Enterprises
At Lake View Garden Bar, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and leadership thrive. Nestled by the stunning waterfront in Bowness-on-Windermere, our team enjoys not only competitive pay and benefits like free meals and discounts across our venues but also ample opportunities for professional growth through in-house training and mentorship. Join us to lead a passionate kitchen team in a dynamic environment that celebrates high standards and the joy of hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Head Chef in Windermere
✨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
Show off your leadership skills! When chatting with the team, share examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen before. Highlight your ability to train and develop others, as that’s key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss high-volume service! Prepare to talk about your experience in busy kitchens and how you maintain quality under pressure. They want to see you can keep the energy up during peak times.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 Weekend Head Chef in Windermere
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 busy kitchen.
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 how you plan to maintain high standards in our bustling kitchen.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; give us the juicy details! Share specific examples of how you've handled high-pressure situations, controlled costs, or trained staff. This will help us see how you can thrive at Lake View Garden Bar.
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 you’re keen to join our team!
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 how you would maintain high standards and consistency in a busy environment. Think about how you can elevate the menu while keeping it fresh and appealing for guests.
✨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 before, focusing on team dynamics, training, and performance improvement. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire your team, especially during peak service times.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Hygiene Knowledge
Since food safety is crucial, be prepared to talk about your experience with hygiene standards and compliance. Bring up any relevant certifications you have, like Level 2 in Food Safety, and share how you ensure these standards are met consistently in your kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life kitchen scenarios, such as handling a busy service or managing food waste. Think through your strategies for controlling GP margins and minimising waste, and be ready to explain how you would handle challenges while keeping the team motivated.
