Cookery School Chef in Newbury

Cookery School Chef in Newbury

Newbury Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WSH Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Inspire and educate guests through hands-on cookery classes and demonstrations.
  • Company: Join a stylish restaurant group known for exceptional food and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy complimentary meals, life assurance, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career development in a supportive, family-feel culture.
  • Why this job: Share your passion for food in a Michelin-level kitchen with small class sizes.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a chef and strong cooking skills required.

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
Guest Experience & Education
  • 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
Health, Safety & Standards
  • 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
Qualifications
  • 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
Key Attributes
  • 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

Additional Information: 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, 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, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

Cookery School Chef in Newbury employer: WSH Group

WSH Restaurants is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises culinary excellence and personal growth. As a Cookery School Chef at The Woodspeen, you will benefit from hands-on teaching in a Michelin-level environment, with opportunities for career development and mentorship, all while enjoying the stunning views of the West Berkshire countryside. With a family-feel culture, complimentary meals, and employee discounts, WSH Restaurants is dedicated to creating a rewarding and supportive workplace for all staff.

WSH Group

Contact Details:

WSH Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cookery School Chef in Newbury

Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the chefs and staff at WSH Restaurants. Follow them on social media, engage with their posts, and show genuine interest in their work. This will help you build rapport and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their culinary family.

Tip Number 2

Practice your teaching skills! Since you'll be guiding guests through cooking techniques, consider hosting a small cooking session for friends or family. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you a chance to refine your communication style and make it engaging.

Tip Number 3

Show off your passion for food! During interviews or networking events, share your favourite seasonal ingredients or recent culinary experiments. This will highlight your enthusiasm for cooking and align perfectly with WSH's commitment to high-quality, locally sourced produce.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform. It shows you're serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to connect with you. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on our cookery school and events!

We think you need these skills to ace Cookery School Chef in Newbury

Culinary Skills
Teaching Skills
Food Preparation
Recipe Development
Communication Skills
Organisation Skills
Multitasking Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: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 our mission of creating exceptional food experiences!

Be Clear and Engaging:Since this role involves teaching and guiding guests, your written application should reflect your communication style. Use clear, engaging language that showcases your ability to explain techniques and connect with others.

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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at WSH Restaurants!

How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group

Know Your Culinary Skills

Brush up on your core cooking techniques and be ready to discuss them. WSH Restaurants values strong cooking skills, so prepare to demonstrate your knowledge of sauces, roasting, and baking during the interview.

Showcase Your Teaching Ability

Since the role involves teaching guests, think of examples where you've successfully communicated culinary techniques. Be prepared to explain how you would engage different skill levels in a cookery class.

Emphasise Your Passion for Food

WSH Restaurants is all about exceptional food and hospitality. Share your enthusiasm for seasonal and locally sourced produce, and how it influences your cooking style and teaching methods.

Prepare for a Hands-On Demonstration

You might be asked to demonstrate a cooking technique or recipe. Choose something you're confident with and practice explaining it clearly, as if you were teaching a class. This will show your ability to engage and educate guests effectively.