Trainee Chef Vacancy at The Old Granary, Kingsmead

About us

The Old Granary is a busy restaurant on the edge of Kingsmead, serving seasonal food made from ingredients grown on nearby farms. We seat around sixty guests at lunch and dinner, and we also run a small bakery counter that opens at 7 a.m. Our kitchen team of eight is led by head chef Martina Okafor, who has trained many young cooks who now run kitchens of their own. The restaurant has been listed in a regional food guide for the past three years, and in summer we also cater for weddings in the converted barn next door.

The role

We are looking for a trainee chef to join the team on a two-year programme. You will spend your first three months in the preparation area, learning knife skills, basic sauces and how to store food safely. After that you will move between the pastry, grill and vegetable sections, spending about four months in each. In the final part of the programme you will help to plan and cost a weekly special.

What we are looking for

No previous kitchen experience is necessary, although some cooking at home or at school would be helpful. More important are a genuine interest in food, a willingness to learn and the ability to stay calm when the kitchen is busy. You must be at least eighteen, as some shifts finish after midnight, and you will need to be able to stand for long periods.

Hours and pay

The position is full-time, with an average of forty hours a week spread over five days. Shifts are arranged on a rota published two weeks in advance, and every trainee has at least one weekend off each month. Trainees are not expected to work more than two late shifts in a row. The starting salary is £21,500 a year, rising to £24,000 once you complete the first year. Tips are shared equally between kitchen and restaurant staff.

Training and benefits

One day every fortnight you will attend Kingsmead College to work towards a recognised catering qualification, and the restaurant pays all course fees. You will also receive a set of professional knives, two sets of uniform and a free meal on every shift. Staff can bring a guest to dine in the restaurant at half price once a month.

How to apply

Please send a short letter explaining why you would like to train as a chef, together with the names of two people who can provide a reference. We do not need a full CV. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a two-hour trial shift, for which they will be paid, followed by an informal chat with Martina. The closing date is 30 April.