At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team, create delicious menus, and cook fresh, seasonal dishes.
- Company: A vibrant independent food business with two exciting venues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, staff meals, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join us in a growing business with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced life while making a real impact on our culinary offerings.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef, with a passion for cooking and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 26865 - 32835 £ per year.
We're The Kitchen @, a small independent food business running two venues: an all-day café at Winchester Golf Academy, just outside the city centre, and The Kitchen @ The Meyrick Club. We're looking for a Head Chef who wants to cook properly, lead from the pass and help shape what we become next, without giving up their whole life to the job. No corporate head office. No spec sheets sent down from above. Just good food, a team that cares, and an owner who works alongside you every day.
Responsibilities:
- Running the kitchen day to day: hands on, cooking on the line and working alongside your team.
- Creating and developing menus with the owner: all-day breakfast and brunch, lunch, evening / events offers.
- Leading, training and developing a keen team, many early in their careers.
- Ordering and working with our local suppliers.
- Managing food costs, GP, waste and stock.
- Keeping food safety, allergen management and HACCP spot on - we hold a 5-star food hygiene rating.
- Rota planning and kitchen labour, with support from the owner.
Requirements:
- An experienced Sous Chef ready to step up, or a Head Chef looking for a better balance.
- Someone who loves cooking and wants to be on the stove, not stuck in an office.
- A natural teacher and leader who brings people with them, calmly.
- Organised, with a good understanding of costs, ordering and food safety.
- Excited by fresh, seasonal, well-sourced food in a relaxed, busy setting.
- Level 3 Food Safety and allergen training (or happy to get them, we'll support you).
Benefits:
- £40,000 per year including tronc (this is uncapped).
- 5-day week, usually with 2 consecutive days off.
- Earlier finishes than a traditional restaurant; typical finish: 8pm.
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Staff meals on shift.
- Workplace pension.
- Free parking on site.
- Staff discount / range sessions / golf lessons.
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day off.
- Genuine say in the menu and the team.
- A life outside the kitchen. Our venues close earlier than traditional restaurants, so late finishes are the exception, not the rule.
- Your menu, your voice. You'll have real menu autonomy, developing dishes, specials and seasonal changes together with the owner.
- Build the team you want to work in. You'll recruit, train and lead the kitchen team, setting the standards and the culture.
- Room to grow. We're an independent business that's growing, and we want a Head Chef who grows with us.
Our guests are golfers, families, couples, dog walkers, friends catching up, work lunches and after-work drinks, so the food needs to be generous, reliable and done really well. We work with brilliant local producers, including Mcinnes Meats, Vale Farm Eggs in Pitt, The Street Bakeshop in Basingstoke, Stuga in Winchester and Sweetie Pie Bakery in St Mary Bourne.
How to apply: Send your CV and a few lines about the food you love to cook to hello@thekitchenat.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a chat and a paid trial shift.
Head Chef – The Kitchen @ Winchester Golf Academy & The Meyrick Club employer: MW & M Catering Limited
MW & M Catering Limited is an attractive employer due to its focus on quality food and a supportive team environment. Employees have the opportunity to lead and develop their culinary skills while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. The company's commitment to collaboration and local sourcing enhances the overall work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef – The Kitchen @ Winchester Golf Academy & The Meyrick Club
✨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 MW & M Catering Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to MW & M Catering Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to MW & M Catering Limited 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 Head Chef – The Kitchen @ Winchester Golf Academy & The Meyrick Club
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 MW & M Catering Limited 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 MW & M Catering Limited
✨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!
