Chef – Lead Chefs – Summer Opera Festival 2026
Glyndebourne Opera House | Sussex
We are recruiting for a Lead Chef to join our kitchen team in our flagship restaurant, Middle & Over Wallop, at Glyndebourne Opera House. This individual will lead on the delivery of French fine dining in a beautiful restaurant space, cooking Steve Groves’ award winning dishes. You will work closely with our Area Chef Steve Groves, Winner of MasterChef: The Professionals and National Chef of the Year, and Executive Head Chef Lee Redman, recently awarded Compass Senior Chef of the Year, along with their senior team, to create an exceptional dining experience worthy of this iconic venue.
Glyndebourne Opera House, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, is one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues, renowned for its opera, elegant dining, and famous summer picnics. Dining at Glyndebourne delivers high-quality hospitality across restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and outdoor catering.
This is a casual position, with hours varying week to week based on business needs. During the Festival we operate seven days a week, so flexibility is essential, including weekend work. The role includes preparing and cooking high-quality dishes, supporting menu delivery across multiple outlets, maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and food safety, and working closely with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless guest experience. Duties will be matched to your skills, experience, and level of expertise.
We are looking for passionate, hardworking individuals with energy, creativity, and a positive, can-do attitude. You will be able to work calmly under pressure, collaborate effectively in a team, and take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
Previous experience leading teams in a professional kitchen is essential.
What We Offer
• Competitive pay grade and experience
• Weekly paid tronc
• Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station
• Free onsite parking
• The opportunity to work in Chef Steve Groves’ restaurant and across Glyndebourne’s kitchens at one of the UK’s most iconic cultural venues
Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people.
Apply today to join our kitchen team and be part of an unforgettable summer at Glyndebourne.