At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare exceptional seafood dishes and collaborate with a fun team.
- Company: Rockfish, a top-rated seafood restaurant chain in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous tips, paid time off, and wellness support.
- Other info: Structured career progression and mentorship opportunities available.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and learn from the best in a stunning coastal location.
- Qualifications: Aspiring cooks or chefs eager to grow and learn about seafood.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
CALLING ALL ASPIRING COOKS. Rockfish, led by Mitch Tonks, founder and CEO of the unique seafood business that catches, processes and serves local seafood at 9 locations in the South West. With a 25-year career in seafood as a chef, restaurateur and fishmonger, Mitch is one of the leading voices in seafood in the UK. Voted by our people, one of the Top 50 BEST COMPANIES and Top 10 hospitality businesses to work for in the UK – We care about what we do and proudly serve MSC-certified sustainable seafood, landed fresh daily from Brixham Fish Market.
Join our fun-loving team at our beautiful beachfront Rockfish Cafe in the stunning coastal town of Budleigh Salterton. We’re seeking aspiring cooks who are starting out, chefs seeking the next level support and training in their career, or chefs who simply want an introduction to the best seafood on the planet.
About the Role
- Prepare exceptional dishes using the freshest seafood on the planet
- Be keen to learn about everything within our Rockfish Kitchens
- Work well under pressure, be organised and proactive
- Collaborate with the front-of-house team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences
At Rockfish, we don’t just offer a job – we provide all the training and support you need with a clear path for personal growth:
- Structured career progression: Cook ? Chef – Junior Sous - Sous Chef ? Head Chef ? Beyond
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced chefs and our area chefs
- Training in all things seafood – including fish market visits and Mitch's Cookery School
- Access to The Seahorse in Dartmouth to progress your culinary skills
- Opportunities to work in other locations to keep it fun
- Be part of new restaurant openings as we expand
- Real promotion opportunities – we love to develop talent from within
You’re Not Alone—Support is Built In
You’ll be backed every step of the way by a dedicated Area Chef and Area Manager, who are on-hand to guide, support, and help you thrive. At Rockfish, we don’t just throw you into the deep end - we coach and mentor.
Pay Perks
- Competitive hourly rate
- Generous share of gratuities and tips, distributed weekly via Tip Jar
- Paid overtime for every hour over contracted hours
- Birthday off + 28 days holiday
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day off
- 4-week paid sabbatical after 10 years
Health Wellbeing
- Rockfish paddleboards for your break-time
- Discounts: 50% off dining at all Rockfish restaurants and The Seahorse
- Access to Rockfish paddleboards to use on your break time
- Fun competitions and incentives with great prizes
Health Wellbeing: 24/7 access to wellbeing services, including counselling, financial and legal advice.
Training Career Growth
- Full seafood training
- Learn from the best chefs in the country
- Clear paths for career progression – we’re always looking for our next Head Chef
Why Rockfish?
This is your chance to work in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal towns, with a team that values sustainability, quality, and growth. At Rockfish, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Ready to Make Waves?
Bring your passion and culinary expertise to Rockfish, Apply now.
Chef employer: Rockfish Budleigh
Join our award-winning team at Rockfish, where we celebrate coastal life and seafood in a vibrant, positive work culture. As a Restaurant Server, you'll enjoy flexible hours, generous gratuities, and unique perks like access to paddleboards, all while being part of a community-focused company that values inclusivity and employee growth. With opportunities for returning seasonal staff and a commitment to thoughtful hospitality, Rockfish is the perfect place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out Rockfish's vibe on social media. Engage with their posts and maybe even drop a comment or two. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect with the crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you're aiming for a chef role, whip up a few seafood dishes at home. Bring them along to your interview if possible. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and passion for cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions during your interview! Show that you're eager to learn about the seafood industry and the opportunities at Rockfish. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you figure out if it's the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Rockfish family. Let’s make waves together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seafood:When you're writing your application, let your love for seafood shine through! Mention any experiences you've had with cooking or working with seafood, and why you want to be part of the Rockfish team. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chef position at Rockfish. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match what we're looking for, like teamwork and working under pressure. This shows us you’re serious about joining our fun-loving crew!
Be Yourself:We’re all about authenticity at Rockfish, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share a bit about who you are, your cooking style, and what excites you about working in a kitchen. We want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your amazing application and gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Rockfish. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockfish Budleigh
✨Know Your Seafood
Before the interview, brush up on your seafood knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different types of fish and shellfish, their preparation methods, and sustainability practices. This will show your passion for the role and align with Rockfish's commitment to serving MSC-certified sustainable seafood.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and any relevant experience you have. If you've worked with seafood before, share specific examples of dishes you've created. If you're just starting out, talk about your eagerness to learn and any culinary training you've had.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Rockfish values collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house staff. Highlight any experiences where you've worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate that you can contribute to delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the mentorship process, or how the team celebrates successes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture at Rockfish.
