At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes with fresh ingredients in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Lounge Café Bars, a fun and supportive team in Rayleigh.
- Benefits: Enjoy tips, paid breaks, 50% off food, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make customers happy with your cooking and grow your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Kitchen experience is a plus, but a positive attitude is key!
The predicted salary is between 10.85 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Employer: Lounge Café Bars
Location: Rayleigh, Essex
Salary: 10.85 - 12.71/hr
Closing date: 9 Jul 2026
Sector: Chef and Cook (Bar & Pub)
Job Type: Full Time
Overview
You love real cooking. We love real cooking. Customers love real cooking. It's a no-brainer so you wonder why so many other places don't do it. We do it, and you'll be doing it with us - fresh, customer‑led, and with high-quality ingredients.
Responsibilities
- You'll be part of a dedicated, supportive team, working from our flexible all‑day menu to give people food that'll make their day.
- It'll be your responsibility to make each dish to spec, in a clean and safe kitchen, and to follow the lead of your Head Chef to make sure all prep and par is completed for each shift.
- You'll be helping every customer leave happy. Which they tend to do, thanks to your great food.
Benefits
- Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
- Paid breaks
- Staff food on every shift, regardless of hours worked
- 50% off food and drinks (including alcohol) from day one at all three of our brands - Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) pro rata
- Competitions and incentives (like jetting off on an all expenses paid trip with one of our suppliers)
- Christmas and Boxing Day off!
- The best staff party - Loungefest
- Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity
- Power over your pay with Wagestream
- Company pension scheme
- Long service awards
- Great opportunity for personal development and career progression in a fast-growing business
Qualifications
- You may already have some kitchen experience as either a Kitchen Porter/Kitchen Assistant/Commis Chef, or this might be something brand new to you.
- Driven and relentless, with a positive can do attitude.
- Good communication skills and a team player.
- Self-motivated to work at pace, with limited supervision.
- Strong knowledge of best practice when it comes to all things Allergens, kitchen essentials and Food Safety.
Chef - Rayleigh employer: Lounge Underwear Ltd.
At Lounge Café Bars in Rayleigh, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where real cooking thrives. With competitive pay, shared tips, and generous staff discounts, we ensure our team feels valued and supported. Our commitment to personal development and career progression, alongside unique perks like paid breaks and exciting staff events, makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about delivering great food and memorable experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef - Rayleigh
✨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 Lounge Underwear Ltd.. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lounge Underwear Ltd.
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lounge Underwear Ltd. 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 - Rayleigh
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 Lounge Underwear Ltd. 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 Lounge Underwear Ltd.
✨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!
