Apprentice Chef

At Poplar Farm Bar and Restaurant, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, delicious food and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for every guest. As part of our kitchen team, you’ll support the Head Chef with a range of different duties, including:

Assist in the preparation of fresh ingredients, including chopping, slicing, and portioning, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish Prepare, cook, and present a variety of dishes following recipes and quality standards, ensuring high presentation and taste Follow all food hygiene and safety regulations, including proper food storage, cleaning routines, and allergen awareness, to maintain a safe working environment Assist with stock checks, rotation, and storage to minimise waste and ensure the availability of fresh ingredients Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and suppliers to ensure smooth kitchen operations Adhere to all health and safety procedures, including proper use of kitchen equipment, safe knife handling, and fire safety protocols Assist with plating and serving during peak service times, ensuring quick and efficient food delivery to customers Engage in structured training, learning new cooking techniques, kitchen management skills, and professional development opportunities Occasionally interact with customers, answering questions about menu items and ensuring a positive dining experience Handle busy service periods, unexpected challenges, and changes in kitchen operations with a proactive and flexible approach

If you’re able to travel within the local area, you will also have the opportunity to work at our other pub, The Old Chequers Inn, Lymn Bank, Croft, Skegness, PE24 4PF, where you’ll gain new unique skills.

Training:

Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:

All delivery for this apprenticeship will take place within your place of work A dedicated Vocational Trainer will visit on average once every 4 weeks, to establish a personal learning and development plan, outlining a schedule of training activities and objectives You will complete a mixture of on and off the job training, including workshops, face to face training and working towards creating a portfolio of relevant practical evidence. You’ll also be supported by your colleagues at all times, and will be mentored and trained constantly You will have a review every 8-12 weeks with your Head Chef and Trainer to discuss your progress

Training Outcome:
This apprenticeship programme provides a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to build a strong foundation of practical cookery skills The apprenticeship will lead to a permanent job role for the right candidates

Employer Description:
At Poplar Farm Bar and Restaurant, we pride ourselves on serving fresh, delicious food and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for every guest. Our lively bar, complete with a cosy fireplace, is the heart of the experience – the perfect place for great conversations and unforgettable moments. - - As part of our kitchen team, you’ll work with experienced Chefs who are passionate about using fresh, organic ingredients to craft mouth-watering dishes. We value teamwork, creativity, and a love for great food, offering a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and thrive. - - If you’re looking to start your culinary journey in a vibrant and friendly setting, there’s no better place to begin than Poplar Farm.

Working Hours :
Hours of work can vary slightly, and will be flexible between the opening times of: Tuesday – Thursday, 17.30 - 20.00 Friday, 12.00 - 14.30 and 17.30 - 20.00, Saturday, 12.00 - 20.30 and Sunday, 12.00 - 16.00

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Keen to learn,Awareness of food safety,Friendly and talkative