Cookery School Chef

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Newbury; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals during shifts

Life Assurance

Employee discounts via Perkbox

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

WSH Restaurants in Berkshire is seeking a Cookery School Chef to deliver hands-on cookery courses and demonstrations at The Woodspeen Cookery School.

You will work closely with senior chefs to deliver structured classes, maintain high food standards, and create an engaging, educational environment for guests of all skill levels.

This role suits passionate culinary educators with strong teaching and restaurant kitchen experience, with occasional evenings, weekends and events.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef in a professional kitchen (restaurant or hospitality setting).
• Strong cooking skills across core techniques (sauces, roasting, baking, prep work).
• Confident communicator with the ability to teach and demonstrate.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering hands-on cookery courses and demonstrations.
• Teach and guide guests through recipes, techniques, and kitchen skills.
• Support themed classes such as bread making, butchery, seasonal cooking, and restaurant-style dishes.
• Demonstrate professional techniques while ensuring guests are actively involved and supported.
• Prepare mise en place for cookery school classes and events.
• Ensure all ingredients are prepped, portioned, and ready for student use.
• Maintain excellent food quality standards in line with restaurant expectations.
• Work efficiently across multiple stations in a teaching kitchen environment.
• Create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all guests.
• Answer questions and explain techniques, ingredients, and methods in an accessible way.
• Encourage participation and confidence in cooking.

Skills

Professional cooking

Teaching skills

Communication

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

NVQ or equivalent culinary qualification

Job description

WSH Restaurants is a unique collection of stylish restaurants based in different locations around the UK, each with its own character, offering great hospitality through exceptional food and warm, skilful service.

We work to the highest standards because we care passionately about our food, service, people and customers.

Our mission? To create individual, world-class dining destinations, united in their unwavering standards of quality and service, and revered for their uniquely refined and relaxed ambience.

How? By being a destination employer, renowned for industry-leading career development, training, and mentorship - and translating that investment in people into a culture of pride, accountability and ultimately success.

The Woodspeen began its transformation from a run-down country pub into a beautiful, contemporary restaurant and cosy bar. Designed with picture window to take full advantage of the breath-taking views over the West Berkshire countryside and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, creating their delightful dishes.

The Woodspeen Cookery School is part of the acclaimed Woodspeen Restaurant, offering hands-on culinary courses, demonstrations, private dining experiences, and chef-led events. As a Cookery School Chef, you will play a key role in delivering inspiring, educational, and high-quality food experiences for guests of all skill levels—from complete beginners to aspiring professionals.

You will work closely with senior chefs to deliver structured cookery classes, ensure exceptional standards of food preparation, and help create a welcoming, educational environment where guests can learn and enjoy cooking in a professional kitchen setting.

Key Responsibilities

Cookery School Delivery

• Assist in planning and delivering hands-on cookery courses and demonstrations
• Teach and guide guests through recipes, techniques, and kitchen skills in a clear and engaging way
• Support themed classes such as bread making, butchery, seasonal cooking, and restaurant-style dishes
• Demonstrate professional techniques while ensuring guests are actively involved and supported
• Prepare mise en place for cookery school classes and events
• Ensure all ingredients are prepped, portioned, and ready for student use
• Maintain excellent food quality standards in line with restaurant expectations
• Work efficiently across multiple stations in a teaching kitchen environment

Guest Experience & Education

• Create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all guests
• Answer questions and explain techniques, ingredients, and methods in an accessible way
• Encourage participation and confidence in cooking
• Ensure guests leave with recipes, knowledge, and a positive experience

Health, Safety & Standards

• Maintain strict food hygiene and health & safety standards at all times
• Ensure cookery school kitchen is clean, organised, and fully operational
• Support safe use of equipment by guests and demonstrate correct handling procedures
• Work closely with senior chefs and the restaurant brigade
• Contribute ideas for new courses, seasonal menus, and event concepts
• Support private events, chef’s table experiences, and corporate bookings when required

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef in a professional kitchen (restaurant or hospitality setting)
• Strong cooking skills across core techniques (sauces, roasting, baking, prep work, etc.)
• Passion for food, ingredients, and culinary education
• Confident communicator with the ability to teach and demonstrate
• Strong organisation and multitasking skills in a busy environment
• Previous teaching, training, or cookery demonstration experience
• Experience in fine dining or high-quality British cuisine
• NVQ or equivalent culinary qualification
• Interest in seasonal and locally sourced produce

Key Attributes

• Approachable and patient when working with guests
• Enthusiastic about sharing culinary knowledge
• High attention to detail and consistency
• Team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude
• Calm and adaptable in a busy, interactive kitchen environment
• Hands-on teaching kitchen within a Michelin-level restaurant setting
• Small class sizes with direct guest interaction
• Combination of prep work, demonstration, and live teaching
• Occasional evening, weekend, and event-based work

Additional Information

WSH Restaurants has built a family-feel culture where we offer development and progression for all. In addition to that, we also offer a range of benefits including:

• Complimentary meals during shifts
• Life Assurance
• Opportunity to develop and further your career within a fast growing an exciting company
• Employee discounts at several retailers (via Perkbox app) & fitness providers
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

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