At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook high-quality dishes for an iconic summer festival.
- Company: Glyndebourne Opera House, a renowned cultural venue in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free shuttle bus, onsite parking, and weekly paid tronc.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and collaboration with award-winning chefs.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create unforgettable culinary experiences at a prestigious venue.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a professional kitchen and a positive, can-do attitude.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world's most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering. We are recruiting Chef de Parties to join our kitchen team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026. Potential to take on additional hours in October.
As a chef at Glyndebourne, you will work closely with our Area Chef Steve Groves, Winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and National Chef of the Year, and Executive Head Chef Lee Redman, recently awarded Compass Senior Chef of the Year, along with their senior team, to create an exceptional dining experience worthy of this iconic venue. This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including weekend work.
The role includes:
- Preparing and cooking high-quality dishes
- Supporting menu delivery across multiple outlets
- Maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and food safety
- Working closely with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless guest experience
Duties will be matched to your skills, experience, and level of expertise. We are looking for passionate, hardworking individuals with energy, creativity, and a positive, can-do attitude. You will be able to work calmly under pressure, collaborate effectively in a team, and take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Previous experience in a professional kitchen is essential.
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay depending on grade and experience
- Weekly paid tronc
- Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
- Free onsite parking
- The opportunity to work in Chef Steve Groves' restaurant and across Glyndebourne's kitchens at one of the UK's most iconic cultural venues
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people. Apply today to join our kitchen team and be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
Chef of all Grades (May - August) employer: RA Venues
Contact Detail:
RA Venues Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef of all Grades (May - August)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your chef whites ready and make sure you look the part! When you show up for an interview or trial shift, first impressions matter. Dress smartly and be prepared to showcase your culinary skills right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on a position at Glyndebourne or another fantastic venue.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded about your role. At Glyndebourne, you’ll need to adapt to different kitchen environments and tasks. Show that you’re willing to learn and take on various responsibilities to impress the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our kitchen team for an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef of all Grades (May - August)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and what excites you about working in a vibrant kitchen like Glyndebourne's. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional dining experiences.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience in professional kitchens and any specific skills that match the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Honest About Your Availability: Since this is a casual position with varying hours, be upfront about your availability. If you can work weekends or have flexibility during the festival, let us know! We value transparency and want to find the best fit for both you and our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Glyndebourne!
How to prepare for a job interview at RA Venues
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients and dishes that are popular at Glyndebourne. Research their menus and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating high-quality dishes that align with their culinary standards.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for cooking and hospitality shine through. Share stories about your previous experiences in kitchens, especially any high-pressure situations where you thrived. This will demonstrate your passion and ability to work calmly under pressure.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively with others. Prepare examples of how you've worked as part of a team in past roles, particularly in busy kitchen environments. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure a seamless guest experience.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires flexibility, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work weekends and varying hours. Show that you're adaptable and ready to take on different tasks as needed, which is crucial during the busy festival period.