At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious Italian-inspired dishes and help shape our kitchen culture.
- Company: Join a unique boutique hotel and lifestyle venue in North Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, holiday, discounts, and access to wellness facilities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with real opportunities for progression into leadership roles.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant and grow your culinary career.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
ABOUT KIP & NOOK
Kip & Nook is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel and lifestyle venue set within 250 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, just 10 minutes from Darlington. From our unique cabins and campervan pitches to our padel courts, yoga studio, sauna, ice bath and cinema room, we're constantly growing, and our food offering is no exception. We invest in our team, we value personality as much as skill, and we create an environment where people can genuinely develop and thrive.
Alberto's Farmhouse is coming to Kip & Nook - an Italian inspired farmhouse restaurant, that will elevate our already very popular restaurant (The Workshop). No fuss, just honest food, good company, and a seat at the table for everyone. We serve brunch and dinner seven days a week to hotel guests and local visitors alike. This isn't a corporate kitchen. This is a place where food is cooked with care, served with warmth, and built around the belief that a great meal should feel like coming home.
THE ROLE
We need a skilled, passionate Chef to join us from the start of our next chapter, helping to shape the kitchen, establish the menu based on guest feedback and operational efficiency, and set the standard for everything that follows. Alongside Alberto's, you'll also work across The Workshop, our existing bar and snacks space at the heart of the Kip & Nook site. We're looking for someone who has the skill to deliver, the energy to build something new, and the ambition to grow with us. For the right person, there is so much room to grow, and we'll invest in you to get there.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Preparing and cooking across brunch, dinner and small plates service to a consistently high standard
- Delivering Italian-inspired farmhouse dishes with care, creativity and real attention to detail
- Ensuring consistency in presentation, flavour and quality every single service
- Maintaining a clean, organised and fully compliant kitchen at all times
- Supporting prep, stock rotation and ordering as required
- Contributing ideas for seasonal specials and ongoing menu development
- Working confidently and calmly under pressure
- Helping to shape the kitchen culture as Alberto's grows from the ground up
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Proven experience in a professional kitchen environment
- A genuine love of food, especially simple, quality-led, ingredient-driven cooking
- The ability to stay calm and deliver during busy service
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- High standards of food hygiene and safety (food hygiene certificate preferred)
- Flexibility across brunch and dinner service, including weekends
- Ambition! We want someone who wants to grow, not just show up.
SCHEDULE
- Day and evening shifts
- Weekend availability required
- 40 hours per week
WHAT YOU'LL GET
- £15-£18 per hour depending on experience (~£31,200–£37,440 p/a)
- 40-hour contract
- 28 Days Annual Holiday
- Pension Contributions
- Staff discounts on food and drinks
- Discounted stays at Kip & Nook for you and your loved ones
- Access to our on-site wellness facilities (saunas, ice baths and padel courts)
- A people-first team that values personality as much as skill
- Real scope for progression into a Head Chef role as Alberto's grows
- The chance to be part of something genuinely exciting from day one
Chef - Albertos Farmhouse at Kip & Nook employer: Kip&Nook
At Kip & Nook, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values personality and skill equally. As a Chef at Alberto's Farmhouse, you'll not only enjoy competitive pay and generous benefits, including access to wellness facilities and discounted stays, but also have the unique opportunity to shape our culinary offerings from the ground up, with ample room for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Albertos Farmhouse at Kip & Nook
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Kip&Nook. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Kip&Nook
Don't be shy about reaching out to Kip&Nook directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef - Albertos Farmhouse at Kip & Nook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Kip&Nook and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kip&Nook
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!