At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook classic pub favourites and manage the kitchen with full ownership.
- Company: Union Inn, a welcoming local pub known for hearty food and great atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, free meals, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with minimal split shifts.
- Why this job: Join a friendly pub culture and make a real impact on the community's dining experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and a passion for quality pub food.
The predicted salary is between 33696 - 41184 £ per year.
- Head Chef / Lead Cook – Classic British Pub Kitchen
- Salary: Competitive & Negotiable (dependent on experience) Relocation incentive
- Position: Full-time or Part-time available (Permanent)
About Us
We are a proper, welcoming local pub known for great pints, a friendly atmosphere, and honest, hearty food.
We don't do tiny portions or fancy foams; we do legendary Sunday roasts, perfectly crisp fish and chips, and pies that keep locals coming back week after week.
We are looking for a reliable, all-round Chef who takes pride in the classics to run our kitchen and feed our community.
The Role
As our main Chef, you will have full ownership of the kitchen.
This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced, down-to-earth cook who loves pub culture and wants the freedom to manage a kitchen without corporate micromanagement.
We are flexible on hours and happy to offer either a full-time or part-time role for the right candidate.
What you'll be doing
- Cooking the Classics: Preparing and cooking our core menu of pub favourites (burgers, steaks, pies, fish & chips, and traditional puddings) to a consistently high standard.
- Sunday Roasts: Taking charge of our busiest day of the week, delivering top-tier roasts with all the trimmings.
- Menu Input: Having your say on daily specials, seasonal tweaks, and choosing local suppliers.
- Kitchen Management: Handling ordering, stock control, minimizing waste, and keeping margins healthy.
- Food Safety: Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and documentation (HACCP/safer food, better business).
What we're looking for
- A True All-Rounder: Someone who is just as comfortable prepping during a quiet morning as they are smashing through a busy service.
- Experience: A solid background cooking in a fast-paced pub, bistro, or busy independent kitchen.
- Reliability: You are organized, turn up on time, and can run a kitchen independently.
- Passion for Pub Food: You care about quality ingredients, perfect seasoning, and serving hot, generous plates of food.
- Certifications: Valid Food Hygiene Level 2 or higher.
What's in it for you?
- Negotiable Pay: A highly competitive salary or hourly rate tailored specifically to your experience and skills.
- Flexible Hours: Full-time or part-time hours to suit your lifestyle.
- Straight shifts (minimal split shifts) to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Free meals while on shift.
- A supportive, friendly team environment where your hard work is genuinely appreciated.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cook/Chef - Union Inn in Cowes employer: Union Inn
The Union Inn offers a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of Cowes, where flexibility and competitive pay are at the forefront of our employment ethos. As a part-time Housekeeper, you'll enjoy the chance to develop your skills in a friendly, nautical-themed venue that values both its staff and guests, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook/Chef - Union Inn in Cowes
✨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 Union Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Union Inn
Don't be shy about reaching out to Union Inn 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 Cook/Chef - Union Inn in Cowes
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 Union Inn 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 Union Inn
✨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!