At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team and create delicious meals for children and adults.
- Company: Join Robinwood, an employee-owned business with a fun, child-centred environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and 12 weeks off per year.
- Other info: Flexible hours with no late nights or weekends, plus training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through your cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for teamwork and food safety.
The predicted salary is between 15.85 - 15.85 £ per hour.
Lead Cook at Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, Cumbria
Start date: 1st November 2026
Fixed Term to 31st October 2027 (Potential to be extended)
Why Robinwood?
- Industry-leading Employer
- Living Wage Foundation accredited
- Investors in People Gold
- Employee-owned business
Love cooking and want your work to make a real difference? At Robinwood, you won't just be preparing meals — you'll be helping create memorable residential experiences for children. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying evening meals, your food will fuel adventure, confidence, and fun.
We are looking for a passionate and organised Lead Cook to join our friendly team at Maes y Nant.
What you will be doing as a Lead Cook:
- Support the Catering Manager in all kitchen operations
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team during shifts
- Prepare a variety of nutritious meals for children and adults
- Ensure all dietary requirements are met
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
- Provide a positive and welcoming service to guests
What you will get:
- £26,375 (£15.85 per hour, based on a 32-hour per week contract)
- Consistent monthly pay through an annualised hours contract
- Pay reflective of experience and skills
- Monday to Friday shifts no late nights or weekends
- Free meals on shift
- Profit-related tax-free bonus
- 12 weeks off per year (including August and Christmas)
- Staff social events
- Training and development opportunities
- A fun, child-centred working environment
Your working pattern:
- Full-time contract - 32 hours per week (average 38 hours worked over 5 days)
- Fixed 4-week rotating timetable
- Shifts between 6am and 8pm (latest finish), Fridays earlier
Example week:
- Monday: 9am - 8pm
- Tuesday: 7am - 8pm
- Wednesday: 6am - 3pm
- Thursday: 6am - 3pm
- Friday: 6am - 3pm
Enjoy a strong work-life balance with predictable hours and no weekend work.
Training & Development
We support your growth with:
- Food hygiene certification (Level 2 provided if needed)
- Ongoing professional development
- Opportunities to build leadership skills
What we are looking for:
- Experienced in a busy kitchen (with some leadership responsibility)
- Passionate about cooking and teamwork
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety
- Positive, proactive, and customer-focused
Lead Cook employer: Living Wage Foundation
At Radfield Home Care, we pride ourselves on being a family-run provider that values and supports our dedicated Support Workers. With competitive pay, fully paid travel time, and a strong commitment to employee development through funded qualifications, we foster a supportive team culture where compassion and care are at the heart of everything we do. Join us in Harrogate and surrounding areas for a flexible, rewarding role that truly makes a difference in the lives of older adults.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook
✨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 Living Wage Foundation. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Living Wage Foundation
Don't be shy about reaching out to Living Wage Foundation 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 Lead Cook
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 Living Wage Foundation 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 Living Wage Foundation
✨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!
