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 tronc.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for additional work in October.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and learn from award-winning chefs in a vibrant setting.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in a professional kitchen and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
Chef De Partie (May - August) employer: Restaurant Associates UK
Contact Detail:
Restaurant Associates UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie (May - August)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, culinary schools, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on a position at Glyndebourne or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really help you stand out when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The role at Glyndebourne requires weekend work and varying hours, so make sure you highlight your availability and willingness to jump in wherever needed during the festival.
✨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 the team at such an iconic venue.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie (May - August)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and hospitality shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating exceptional dining experiences, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in professional kitchens. We’re looking for chefs who can handle the heat, so showcase your skills and any previous roles that align with what we do at Glyndebourne.
Be Flexible: Since this role requires flexibility, mention your availability clearly in your application. We operate seven days a week, so showing us you can work weekends and adapt to varying hours will make you stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Glyndebourne!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates UK
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Make sure you brush up on your culinary techniques and be ready to discuss your previous kitchen experiences. Highlight specific dishes you've prepared and any special skills you have, like working with particular cuisines or dietary requirements.
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Glyndebourne is all about delivering exceptional dining experiences, so let your passion shine through. Share stories that demonstrate your love for food and hospitality, and how you’ve gone the extra mile to ensure guests have a memorable experience.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
Since this role involves collaborating closely with others, prepare for questions about teamwork. Think of examples where you’ve worked effectively in a team, especially under pressure, and how you contributed to a positive kitchen environment.
✨Flexibility is Key
With varying hours and weekend work, it’s important to show your flexibility. Be honest about your availability and express your willingness to adapt to the needs of the kitchen during the busy festival period.