Chef of all Grades - Casual (May - August)

Chartwells Independent; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A renowned cultural venue in Sussex is seeking Chefs of all grades for its Summer Opera Festival 2026, running from May to August. This casual position requires flexibility as it operates seven days a week. Responsibilities include preparing high-quality dishes and supporting menu delivery across multiple outlets. Ideal candidates will demonstrate teamwork, creativity, and a capacity to work under pressure. Prior kitchen experience is advantageous but not mandatory, as training will be provided. Join our kitchen team for an unforgettable summer experience.

Benefits

Competitive pay depending on grade and experience

Weekly paid tronc

Free shuttle bus from Lewes Station

Free onsite parking

Opportunity to work in a renowned kitchen

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen is advantageous but not essential.
• Passionate and hardworking individuals with a positive attitude are sought.
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends, is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes for various outlets.
• Support menu delivery while maintaining food safety standards.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams for seamless guest experience.

Skills

Team collaboration

Creativity

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Chef – All Grades – Summer Opera Festival 2026

Glyndebourne Opera House | Sussex

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.

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.

What We Offer

• 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

Interviews will be held in February 2026. If your application is successful, we will be in touch at the beginning of February 2026 to invite you to interview.

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.