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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into WSH Restaurants' values and mission. This way, you can show how your passion for food and teaching aligns with their goals. Plus, it’ll help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching skills! Since you'll be guiding guests through cooking techniques, consider doing a mock class with friends or family. This will not only boost your confidence but also help you refine your communication style, making it engaging and clear.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary creativity! Think about some unique course ideas or seasonal dishes you could bring to the table. Sharing these during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the cookery school’s offerings.
✨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 WSH Restaurants family and ready to embark on this exciting culinary journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Cookery School Chef in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your culinary journey and why you want to be a part of our Cookery School.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for at The Woodspeen!
Be Clear and Engaging:Just like teaching a cookery class, clarity is key! Write in a way that’s easy to read and engaging. Use simple language to explain your skills and experiences, making it enjoyable for us to read your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Woodspeen
✨Know Your Culinary Skills
Brush up on your core cooking techniques and be ready to discuss them. Whether it's sauces, baking, or prep work, make sure you can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for food during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Ability
Since the role involves teaching guests, think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas simply. Prepare to share how you would engage different skill levels in a cookery class.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in a kitchen environment. Be prepared to talk about your experiences working with others, how you handle feedback, and how you contribute to a positive team atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food
Express your enthusiasm for seasonal and locally sourced produce. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to culinary education and quality ingredients.
