At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team and create delicious meals for children and adults.
- Company: Join Robinwood, an employee-owned business with a fun, child-centred environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and 12 weeks off per year.
- Other info: Flexible hours with no late nights or weekends, plus training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while cooking in a supportive and friendly team.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for cooking and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 15.85 - 15.85 £ per hour.
Barhaugh Hall, near Alston, Cumbria
Start date: 1st November 2026
Fixed Term to 31st October 2027 (Potential to be extended)
Why Robinwood?
- Industry-leading Employer
- Living Wage Foundation accredited
- Investors in People Gold
- Employee-owned business
Love cooking and want your work to make a real difference? At Robinwood, you won’t just be preparing meals – you’ll be helping create memorable residential experiences for children. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying evening meals, your food will fuel adventure, confidence, and fun.
We are looking for a passionate and organised Lead Cook to join our friendly team at Maes y Nant.
What you will be doing as a Lead Cook:
- Support the Catering Manager in all kitchen operations
- Lead and motivate the kitchen team during shifts
- Prepare a variety of nutritious meals for children and adults
- Ensure all dietary requirements are met
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
- Provide a positive and welcoming service to guests
What you will get:
- £26,375 (£15.85 per hour, based on a 32-hour per week contract)
- Consistent monthly pay through an annualised hours contract
- Pay reflective of experience and skills
- Plus: Monday to Friday shifts – no late nights or weekends
- Free meals on shift
- Profit-related tax-free bonus
- 12 weeks off per year (including August and Christmas)
- Staff social events
- Training and development opportunities
- A fun, child-centred working environment
Your working pattern:
- Full-time contract - 32 hours per week (average 38 hours worked over 5 days)
- Fixed 4-week rotating timetable
- Shifts between 6am and 8pm (latest finish), Fridays earlier
Example week:
- Monday: 9am – 8pm
- Tuesday: 7am – 8pm
- Wednesday: 6am – 3pm
- Thursday: 6am – 3pm
- Friday: 6am – 3pm
Enjoy a strong work-life balance with predictable hours and no weekend work.
Training & Development
We support your growth with:
- Food hygiene certification (Level 2 provided if needed)
- Ongoing professional development
- Opportunities to build leadership skills
What we are looking for:
- Experienced in a busy kitchen (with some leadership responsibility)
- Passionate about cooking and teamwork
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety
- Positive, proactive, and customer-focused
Ready to apply? If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can cook great food, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Internal and external applicants welcome.
Lead Cook in Devon employer: Robinwood Activity Centre Limited
Robinwood Activity Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment at Barhaugh Hall, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives through outdoor learning experiences. With benefits like a tax-free profit bonus, generous holiday entitlement, and full training opportunities, you'll find ample room for personal and professional growth while being part of an award-winning team dedicated to high-quality service.
Contact Details:
Robinwood Activity Centre Limited Recruitment Team
