*Work somewhere worth running a kitchen*
Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.
Imagine leading a kitchen where the terrace is packed, the lake is right outside, and every service has the energy of peak season.
This isn't a quiet backstreet kitchen. Lake View Garden Bar is a busy, three-level waterfront venue in Bowness-on-Windermere, serving fresh food and drinks to guests who are genuinely on holiday and in a good mood. We're a Cumbria Tourism Awards finalist and Best Beer Garden award winner, and the standard we hold ourselves to reflects that.
We're looking for a Head Chef who can take real ownership of the kitchen, lead a team with confidence, and deliver consistent, high-quality food in a high-volume environment. You'll work closely with and report to our Executive Chef, so you'll have strong leadership above you as well as a team below you.
*What you'll be doing*
* Leading the kitchen team day-to-day, setting standards and driving performance
* Delivering consistent, high-quality dishes across busy services
* Managing stock, ordering, and supplier relationships
* Controlling GP margins and minimising waste
* Ensuring food safety, hygiene, and compliance at all times
* Training and developing your team on skills and consistency
* Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider management team to keep service running smoothly across the venue
*About Lake View Garden Bar and Hargreaves Enterprises*
Lake View Garden Bar is part of Hargreaves Enterprises, a multi-brand hospitality group that also runs The Cranleigh Boutique Hotel, BAHA, and The Fizzy Tarté. We're not a chain. Each venue has its own identity, and we back our people to lead their departments with real purpose. You'll have the autonomy to make an impact in your kitchen, with the support of an experienced Executive Chef to help you grow.
*What we're looking for*
This role suits someone who's confident running a kitchen, not just working in one.
* Previous experience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up
* Comfortable leading a team in a busy, high-volume environment
* Strong on standards, consistency, and kitchen discipline
* Confident managing stock, costs, and GP margins
* Food safety and hygiene knowledge (Level 2 minimum)
* Able to take full ownership of day-to-day back of house operations
* Available for evenings, weekends, and peak seasons
* Hands-on and willing to get involved during busy service
*What's in it for you*
* £17.00 per hour
* Monthly tip pool
* Free meals on shift
* Discounts across all Hargreaves Enterprises venues
* Access to in-house training and industry qualifications (Level 2 to 5)
* Real progression within the business for the right person
* Annual staff party
*Ready to apply? xsngvjr *
Hit Apply to be taken to our careers page and tell us a bit about your experience.
*Benefits:*
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Employee mentoring programme
* Health and wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
*Job type:* Full-time, Permanent
*Work location:* In person
Pay: £17.00 per hour
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person