At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team, learn food prep, and create delicious dishes.
- Company: Top 100 Best Company to work for, known for great food and experiences.
- Benefits: Earn tips weekly, enjoy staff discounts, and receive a free meal after a year.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a supportive, fun environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for cooking and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible hours, social events, and a family-oriented culture.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 26000 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Trainee/Commis Chef to join our friendly kitchen team at our iconic flagship restaurant, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall. We see ourselves as being in the 'cheering up industry', trying to make people smile with great food, drink and experiences. As we are in the Top 25 Best Hospitality Companies to Work For, we think we are pretty good at making our team smile too. We believe in both supporting our teams and embracing diversity and as such are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Family is the foundation of our business, and we understand the importance of work/life balance and flexibility. You will also have the opportunity to apply for our chef Apprenticeship.
What you’ll be getting up to:
- Food preparation and making basic sauces
- Learning how to work the different sections in the kitchen
- Supporting the senior kitchen team
- Learning and being inspired by our senior chefs to progress to the next level
Grow your career with us:
We’re not just passionate about food, we’re passionate about developing our people too. Our current Head Chef, Pete Murt, has worked his way up through the chef ranks from Kitchen Porter so he knows exactly how to support and develop your chef career with us. 75% of our managers have been promoted from within and we want to help you fulfil your potential. We’ll invest in you with:
- Craft skills and training (wine and food tastings, supplier visits) to develop your knowledge and confidence
- Opportunities to move between parts of our business
- Encouragement to apply for bigger roles when the time is right
- Regular encouragement and support from your manager
Perks:
- Brilliant tips. On top of your salary you’ll earn tips and these are paid weekly into your bank, aren’t subject to NI deductions and you’ll even get tips when you’re on holiday!
- Staff discounts. You’ll get discount in our restaurants, our shops and online and discounted hotel stays and cookery courses.
- Free meal for two. After one year with us, you’ll get a complimentary 3 course meal for two people in one of our restaurants every year.
- Social events. You’ll get the chance to meet Rick and the family at fun social events and parties.
- Plenty of food. We provide great quality meals whilst on duty, the chance to taste all our dishes as well drinks and snacks whilst you’re on a break.
- Staff surprises. We like to make you smile, so there’ll be little treats from us throughout the year.
- Holiday. You’ll get 28 days paid holiday every year which increases after 2 years.
Our Story:
Rick and Jill Stein started our family run business back in 1975, and today we employ over 600 happy staff. The business has grown from the first flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow to 10 restaurants across the south of England, plus hotel rooms, cookery school, shops and an online shop. Rick and Jill are still heavily involved in the business, as are their three sons Ed, Jack and Charlie.
Our Values:
- Hospitality is from our hearts.
- Enjoy learning & improving.
- Right thing, right way.
- Bring out the best in each other.
- Show great team spirit.
Good to know:
- Parking – there is plenty of free parking available in Padstow.
- Travel to work – Padstow is on the bus route from Bodmin, Wadebridge and Newquay with regular buses throughout the day. You can cycle safely to work from Bodmin and Wadebridge to Padstow along the Camel Trail.
- Uniform - we provide our kitchen teams with chef whites.
We’d love to hear from you - email your CV to petemurt(at) or click apply to submit a quick application. If you would like any additional support or need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know.
The Seafood Restaurant was the first restaurant opened by Rick Stein and Jill Stein in 1975. The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is famous for establishing an international reputation for the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on our doorstep. In the centre of the restaurant is a Seafood Bar where guests can enjoy watching chefs assembling platters of oysters, langoustines and sashimi.
Commis Chef in Padstow employer: Rick Stein
Contact Detail:
Rick Stein Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in Padstow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before applying, check out their social media channels like Instagram and TikTok. This will give you a feel for the team spirit and the kind of atmosphere they create, which is super important in the hospitality industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips on what it’s really like to work there and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for food! When you get that interview, be ready to chat about your favourite dishes and cooking experiences. Let them see your enthusiasm for the culinary world and how you can contribute to their mission of making people smile with great food.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Seafood Restaurant. Don’t forget to highlight any relevant experience or skills that make you a perfect fit for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef in Padstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, whether it's at home or in a professional setting. We want to see that you're excited about joining our team and contributing to the 'cheering up industry'!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Commis Chef. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with what we're looking for, like food preparation or working in a team. A personalised CV shows us that you’re genuinely interested in this position at The Seafood Restaurant.
Be Yourself: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share a bit about who you are and what makes you unique. We believe in embracing diversity, and we want to know what you can bring to our friendly kitchen team!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply through our website. It’s quick and easy, and it helps us keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at The Seafood Restaurant!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rick Stein
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of seafood and dishes that the restaurant is known for. Being able to discuss your favourite fish or a dish you love to cook can show your passion for the role and the cuisine.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
This role is all about being part of a team that makes people smile through food. Make sure to express your excitement about joining their kitchen and how you can contribute to that positive atmosphere.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, the team dynamics, or the training opportunities available. This shows that you're genuinely interested in growing within the company and eager to learn from the senior chefs.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since they value teamwork highly, share examples from your past experiences where you worked well in a team. Highlight how you support others and contribute to a positive work environment, which aligns with their values.