Head Chef Lake District

Work somewhere worth running a kitchen

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?

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