Chef - All Grades - Summer Opera Festival 2026

Glyndebourne Opera House; Cootham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An iconic cultural venue in the UK is seeking chefs for the Summer Opera Festival from May to August 2026. As a chef, you will work closely with acclaimed chefs to prepare high-quality dishes in a fast-paced environment. Applicants should have a positive attitude, creativity, and the ability to work as part of a team. Competitive pay, flexible hours, and training are offered. Join a team at one of the UK's most prestigious dining venues.

Benefits

Competitive pay depending on grade and experience

Weekly paid tronc

Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station

Free onsite parking

Opportunity to work in renowned kitchens

Qualifications

• Passion for culinary arts and a positive attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and under pressure.
• Previous experience in a professional kitchen is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes.
• Support menu delivery across multiple outlets.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards.

Job description

As a chef at Glyndebourne, 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. 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 in a professional kitchen is advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided.

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. We are recruiting Chefs of all grades to join our kitchen team for the Summer Opera Festival, running from May to August 2026. Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Restaurant Associates is proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to supporting and developing our people.

• Competitive pay depending on 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