At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen operations and support the bakery with delicious food prep.
- Company: Ripe, a family-run café in beautiful Trent Country Park.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, sociable daytime hours, and free parking.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow with the business and be part of a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a fun team and make your mark in a creative kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
We have always had a passion for food and drink, the experience of sharing a meal with loved ones and the memories it can create. From Primrose Hill to Trent Park, our family-run café has crafted speciality coffee and tea alongside our handmade food since 2014.
About Us
Ripe is an independent bakery and coffee shop set in the beautiful 413 acres of Trent Country Park. We believe in "simple classics done incredibly well," from our homemade cakes to our highly efficient, systems-driven kitchen. We are a fast-paced, people first, small business that values quality, organisation, and a supportive team environment.
The Role
This is a dynamic leadership role built around an 80/20 split, with 80% leading the kitchen and food service, and 20% stepping in to support our bakery schedule. You will take ownership of the kitchen’s daily performance, driving our 5-step operational standard (Customer, Product, Clean, Restock, Vibe) while ensuring our food quality remains uncompromising.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary & Service (80%): Lead brunch service to order and oversee daily food prep (counter produce and preparations). Ensure strict recipe standardisation and quality control. Menu management and costing to maximise quality and minimise waste.
- Bakery Support (20%): Step in to support the baking schedule, confidently producing our core range of sweet and savoury bakes to a consistent standard when needed.
- Management & Systems: Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory control using MarketMan, actively resolving supplier issues. Design and manage rota scheduling for the kitchen and/or bakery to ensure optimal coverage. Deliver training to staff and foster a culture of cross-training and continuous improvement.
- Compliance & Safety: Take ownership of Food Safety & Hygiene standards (Level 3 required/expected) and strict Allergy Awareness. Maintain and complete all daily ops forms (Temp, Pest, Clean, Delivery) and monthly HACCP logs.
What We Need From You
- Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced commercial kitchen, with confident baking abilities.
- Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3 (or highly experienced with Level 2 and willing to upgrade).
- A "systems-artisanal" mindset: you love great food, but you also love the operational systems and tech that make a kitchen run smoothly.
- Excellent time management and calm organisation in a small business where priorities can shift with park events and weather.
- Friendly attitude, team mindset, and clear communication.
- Fluent English (written and spoken).
- Eligible to live and work full time in the UK.
In Return We’ll Give You
- Pay: £13.85 to £14.50 per hour, dependent on experience.
- Sociable daytime hours (no evenings) in an incredible park setting with free parking.
- A friendly, fun, and inspiring place to work where your creative input is valued.
- A chance to join the leadership team at a key moment and grow with the business.
Head Chef - Full Time - Trent Park Café, Barnet (Daytime hours) in London employer: Ripe Kitchen
Ripe Kitchen is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a passionate culinary team where creativity is celebrated, and your contributions directly impact our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Full Time - Trent Park Café, Barnet (Daytime hours) in London
✨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 Ripe Kitchen. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ripe Kitchen
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ripe Kitchen 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 - Full Time - Trent Park Café, Barnet (Daytime hours) in London
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 Ripe Kitchen 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 Ripe Kitchen
✨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!
