At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate guests through hands-on cookery courses and demonstrations.
- Company: Join a stylish restaurant group known for exceptional food and warm service.
- Benefits: Enjoy complimentary meals, career development, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Share your passion for food in a Michelin-level kitchen while teaching others.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef and strong cooking skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
WSH Restaurants is a unique collection of stylish restaurants based in different locations around the UK, each with its own character, offering great hospitality through exceptional food and warm, skilful service. We work to the highest standards because we care passionately about our food, service, people and customers. Our mission is to create individual, world-class dining destinations, united in their unwavering standards of quality and service, and revered for their uniquely refined and relaxed ambience.
The Woodspeen Cookery School is part of the acclaimed Woodspeen Restaurant, offering hands-on culinary courses, demonstrations, private dining experiences, and chef-led events. As a Cookery School Chef, you will play a key role in delivering inspiring, educational, and high-quality food experiences for guests of all skill levels—from complete beginners to aspiring professionals.
You will work closely with senior chefs to deliver structured cookery classes, ensure exceptional standards of food preparation, and help create a welcoming, educational environment where guests can learn and enjoy cooking in a professional kitchen setting.
Key Responsibilities- Assist in planning and delivering hands-on cookery courses and demonstrations
- Teach and guide guests through recipes, techniques, and kitchen skills in a clear and engaging way
- Support themed classes such as bread making, butchery, seasonal cooking, and restaurant-style dishes
- Demonstrate professional techniques while ensuring guests are actively involved and supported
- Prepare mise en place for cookery school classes and events
- Ensure all ingredients are prepped, portioned, and ready for student use
- Maintain excellent food quality standards in line with restaurant expectations
- Work efficiently across multiple stations in a teaching kitchen environment
- Create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all guests
- Answer questions and explain techniques, ingredients, and methods in an accessible way
- Encourage participation and confidence in cooking
- Ensure guests leave with recipes, knowledge, and a positive experience
- Maintain strict food hygiene and health & safety standards at all times
- Ensure cookery school kitchen is clean, organised, and fully operational
- Support safe use of equipment by guests and demonstrate correct handling procedures
- Work closely with senior chefs and the restaurant brigade
- Contribute ideas for new courses, seasonal menus, and event concepts
- Support private events, chef’s table experiences, and corporate bookings when required
- Experience as a chef in a professional kitchen (restaurant or hospitality setting)
- Strong cooking skills across core techniques (sauces, roasting, baking, prep work, etc.)
- Passion for food, ingredients, and culinary education
- Confident communicator with the ability to teach and demonstrate
- Strong organisation and multitasking skills in a busy environment
- Previous teaching, training, or cookery demonstration experience
- Experience in fine dining or high-quality British cuisine
- NVQ or equivalent culinary qualification
- Interest in seasonal and locally sourced produce
- Approachable and patient when working with guests
- Enthusiastic about sharing culinary knowledge
- High attention to detail and consistency
- Team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude
- Calm and adaptable in a busy, interactive kitchen environment
- Hands-on teaching kitchen within a Michelin-level restaurant setting
- Small class sizes with direct guest interaction
- Combination of prep work, demonstration, and live teaching
- Occasional evening, weekend, and event-based work
WSH Restaurants has built a family-feel culture where we offer development and progression for all. In addition to that, we also offer a range of benefits including complimentary meals during shifts, diverse apprenticeship opportunities, life assurance, opportunity to develop and further your career within a fast-growing and exciting company, employee discounts at several retailers (via Perkbox app) & fitness providers, access to our Employee Assistance Programme, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
Cookery School Chef in Newbury employer: The Woodspeen
WSH Restaurants is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises career development and mentorship for its staff. As a Cookery School Chef at The Woodspeen, you will enjoy a supportive environment with small class sizes, allowing for meaningful guest interactions while benefiting from a range of perks including complimentary meals, diverse apprenticeship opportunities, and employee discounts. Join us in creating world-class culinary experiences in a stunning setting overlooking the West Berkshire countryside.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cookery School Chef in Newbury
✨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 The Woodspeen. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Woodspeen
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Woodspeen 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 Cookery School Chef in Newbury
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 The Woodspeen 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 The Woodspeen
✨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!
