At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team and create exceptional dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: Rick Stein Restaurants, a renowned culinary destination in Padstow.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, free meals, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy life in beautiful Padstow, surrounded by stunning coastlines and a vibrant food community.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to great food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Open to chefs at all levels; passion and willingness to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Great food. Exceptional ingredients. A career on the Cornish coast. Earn a great salary, plus tips. At Rick Stein Restaurants, we believe great food starts with great people.
Across our restaurants in Padstow, we're looking for talented chefs at every stage of their career to join our kitchen teams. From those taking their first steps as a Commis Chef, to experienced Chefs de Partie, Sous Chefs and senior kitchen leaders, we're always looking for people who are passionate about food and want to be part of something special.
Working with exceptional seafood, fresh seasonal ingredients and menus rooted in the best of Cornwall, you'll join a team where craftsmanship, teamwork and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything we do.
We have permanent and temporary opportunities available, with a range of contracted hours, so whether you're looking for your next long-term career move or a seasonal role by the coast, we'd love to hear from you.
Why join Rick Stein Restaurants?
- Cook with exceptional seafood, fresh seasonal produce and quality ingredients
- Learn from experienced chefs who are passionate about sharing their knowledge
- Develop your skills through hands-on experience, training and support
- Progress your career through clear development opportunities across our restaurants
- Work alongside talented, supportive teams where respect and collaboration matter
- Be part of a group with a long-standing reputation for great food and genuine hospitality
What you'll be doing
Your responsibilities will depend on your experience and the role you join us in, but you'll play an important part in delivering the food and standards our guests know and love.
You could be:
- Preparing and cooking high-quality dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Working with exceptional seafood and learning the skills and techniques that make it so special
- Taking responsibility for your section and maintaining consistently high standards
- Working closely with the wider kitchen team to deliver smooth, efficient service
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards
- Contributing to an organised, positive and supportive kitchen environment
- Helping develop junior chefs and sharing your knowledge as your experience grows
- Taking on greater responsibility and leadership as you progress through your career
Who we're looking for
We’re interested in hearing from chefs at all levels, including: Commis Chefs, Demi Chefs, Chef de Parties, Sous Chefs, Senior Sous Chefs, Head Chefs. You don't need to have worked in a Rick Stein kitchen before. What matters is your attitude, passion and willingness to learn.
You’ll thrive here if you:
- Love cooking and take real pride in the food you produce
- Enjoy working with quality ingredients and want to develop your skills
- Work well as part of a team and understand that great service is a team effort
- Stay calm, organised and focused when service gets busy
- Take pride in high standards and attention to detail
- Are curious, willing to learn and open to developing new skills
- Want to build a career in hospitality and be part of a team that invests in its people
We invest in our people
We’re proud that many of our chefs have developed their careers within Rick Stein Restaurants. We want you to have the opportunity to do the same. Whether you're learning the fundamentals of professional cookery, refining your skills as a Chef de Partie or developing into a confident kitchen leader, we'll give you the support, experience and training to help you move forward.
Your career doesn't have to follow one path. With multiple restaurants and opportunities across the group, there are plenty of ways to learn, develop and take your next step.
What you'll receive
- Competitive pay plus tips
- Free staff meals while on shift
- Generous discounts across Rick Stein Restaurants, Rooms and Shops
- Ongoing training and development
- Clear opportunities for career progression across our restaurants
- Extra holiday allowance for length of service – up to 5 additional days after 5 years
- Access to discounts across hundreds of retailers, travel, entertainment, health and wellbeing services
- A friendly, inclusive team where you'll be supported and valued
Life in Padstow
There's a reason Padstow has become such an iconic food destination. With the harbour, beaches and Cornish coastline on your doorstep, you'll be working in one of the UK's most celebrated food destinations, surrounded by a community that attracts people who love great food and the outdoors.
Whether you're already local, looking for a new adventure or considering making the move to Cornwall, Padstow offers a unique place to live, work and build a career.
Ready for your next move?
Whether you're starting your career, looking for your next challenge or ready to take the next step into kitchen leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Join Rick Stein Restaurants in Padstow and build a career with a team that's passionate about great food, exceptional ingredients and genuine hospitality.
Chef Opportunities | Padstow in Wadebridge employer: Rick Stein Head Office
Rick Stein Restaurants in Wadebridge is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where chefs of all levels can thrive. With flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to work with fresh seafood, employees benefit from delicious staff meals and ample opportunities for career growth within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Opportunities | Padstow in Wadebridge
✨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 Rick Stein Head Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Rick Stein Head Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to Rick Stein Head Office 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 Opportunities | Padstow in Wadebridge
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 Rick Stein Head Office 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 Rick Stein Head Office
✨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!