At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create exciting menus, and inspire your team.
- Company: Old Bicycle Shop, a vibrant restaurant in Cambridge with a unique history.
- Benefits: Creative autonomy, culinary masterclasses, discounts, and 28 days' holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark with fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef with a passion for creativity.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Lead the kitchen. Shape the food. Make your mark.
Do you believe great food starts with exceptional ingredients, a brilliant kitchen team and a chef with the freedom to be creative? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Welcome to Old Bicycle Shop in Cambridge — once the UK's first bicycle shops, now one of the city's most vibrant and distinctive restaurants. We serve fresh, locally sourced food throughout the day, from brunch and lunch through to dinner, alongside an exciting cocktail and drinks menu. We're proud of our warm, friendly approach, our high standards and our commitment to creating memorable experiences for every guest.
We're part of an eclectic collection of unique pubs, well-regarded restaurants, premium hotels and award-winning microbreweries. We're a growing business with a modern outlook, a strong team culture and plenty of opportunities for people who want to develop their careers.
Your role as Head Chef: As Head Chef, you'll have the opportunity to put your own creative stamp on the food at Old Bicycle Shop. We believe every business should have its own identity. That means giving our Head Chefs the autonomy to create menus that reflect their venue, their customers and their own culinary style.
Working with fresh, seasonal ingredients, you'll develop menus and daily specials that showcase produce at its best. Whether it's a modern take on a classic, creative small plates, fresh seafood or something completely original, we're looking for a chef who is excited by great ingredients and isn't afraid to bring new ideas to the table.
You'll lead from the front — inspiring your team, developing talent and creating a kitchen culture where people take pride in what they do. You'll balance creativity with strong commercial awareness, ensuring the kitchen consistently delivers exceptional food while maintaining excellent GP, labour and operational standards.
What we offer:
- Full creative autonomy to develop your own menus and specials
- Access to our Apprenticeship Scheme and Development Programmes
- Regular culinary masterclasses, including Game, Butchery and Shellfish
- Inspirational food trips with our top-quality suppliers
- Regular Chef Forums with fellow Head Chefs to share ideas and develop your skills
- Free meals while working
- 20% discount in all Young's Pubs
- 30% discount on overnight stays in our Pubs with Rooms
- Share Save Scheme
- Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
- 28 days' holiday per year
What we're looking for:
We're looking for an ambitious, creative and hands-on chef who knows how to get the best out of both people and produce. You'll ideally:
- Have experience as a Head Chef or experienced Sous Chef, with a proven track record of delivering excellent food and service
- Have a genuine passion for fresh, seasonal produce and creative cooking
- Be an inspiring leader who can develop, motivate and bring out the best in your team
- Lead by example and be a hands-on chef who thrives in a busy kitchen
- Have excellent communication and people skills, working closely with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
- Be confident creating, costing and delivering seasonal menus and daily specials
- Take responsibility for kitchen rotas, training, food safety, health & safety and day-to-day kitchen standards
- Have strong planning and organisational skills, with a good understanding of GP, labour and kitchen controls
- Be commercially minded, with a proactive approach to driving sales and growing the business
Most importantly, bring energy, creativity and pride to everything that comes out of your kitchen.
Ready to make your mark? If you're a chef who wants the freedom to create, the opportunity to lead and the support of a business that genuinely invests in its people, we'd love to hear from you. Come and put your stamp on Old Bicycle Shop.
Head Chef in Cambridge employer: Old Bicycle Shop
At Old Bicycle Shop in Cambridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values high standards and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our internal career pathways, extensive training opportunities, and generous benefits such as free meals and discounts across our unique collection of venues. Join us in a vibrant location where your passion for hospitality can flourish and be rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Cambridge
✨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 Old Bicycle Shop. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Old Bicycle Shop
Don't be shy about reaching out to Old Bicycle Shop 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 in Cambridge
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 Old Bicycle Shop 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 Old Bicycle Shop
✨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!
