Breakfast Chef
Location: Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Department: Kitchen
Reports to: Head Chef
Hours: Full-time, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis
About Balmer Lawn Hotel
Balmer Lawn Hotel is a prestigious 4 Silver Star country house hotel located in the heart of the New Forest. Renowned for delivering exceptional hospitality, outstanding food, and memorable guest experiences, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards across every aspect of the hotel.
As Breakfast Chef, you will play a key role in ensuring every guest starts their day with an exceptional dining experience by delivering consistently high-quality breakfasts in a professional and efficient manner.
Purpose of the Role
To prepare, cook and present breakfast dishes to the highest standards while maintaining excellent food hygiene, organisation and consistency. The Breakfast Chef is responsible for ensuring breakfast service runs smoothly, efficiently and in line with Balmer Lawn Hotel's quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook a wide range of breakfast dishes, including both cooked-to-order and buffet items.
- Ensure all food is prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
- Set up and maintain the breakfast buffet throughout service.
- Monitor food quality, portion control and presentation.
- Ensure breakfast service runs efficiently while maintaining excellent guest satisfaction.
- Prepare mise en place for breakfast service and assist with preparation for later services where required.
- Maintain accurate stock levels and communicate ordering requirements to senior chefs.
- Minimise food waste through effective stock rotation and portion control.
- Ensure all food is stored correctly in accordance with food safety legislation.
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen environment throughout the shift.
- Follow all Health & Safety, COSHH and Food Safety regulations.
- Complete daily temperature records, cleaning schedules and HACCP documentation accurately.
- Assist with receiving and checking deliveries when required.
- Work collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front of house teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
- Support colleagues during busy periods and assist other kitchen sections where necessary.
- Contribute ideas for improving breakfast offerings and guest satisfaction.
Standards Expected
- Deliver food that reflects the standards of a 4 Silver Star hotel.
- Maintain excellent personal presentation and hygiene at all times.
- Demonstrate punctuality, reliability and professionalism.
- Work calmly and efficiently under pressure.
- Treat colleagues and guests with respect and professionalism.
- Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a supportive team culture.
Skills and ExperienceEssential
- Previous experience as a Breakfast Chef, Chef de Partie or Commis Chef.
- Good knowledge of breakfast preparation and cooking techniques.
- Understanding of food hygiene and HACCP procedures.
- Ability to work independently during early morning shifts.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Flexible approach to working hours.
Desirable
- Experience within a quality hotel environment.
- Level 2 Food Safety Certificate.
- Knowledge of allergen legislation.
- Experience with buffet service and breakfast operations.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Passion for quality food and hospitality.
- Attention to detail.
- Pride in maintaining high standards.
- Strong work ethic.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Positive and proactive attitude.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Willingness to learn and develop.
Working Hours
- Start time 6am.
- Weekend and bank holiday working required.
- Flexibility to support other kitchen services where business demands.
Health & Safety
The Breakfast Chef is responsible for:
- Following all company Health & Safety policies.
- Complying with Food Safety and HACCP procedures.
- Reporting hazards, accidents or maintenance issues immediately.
- Using equipment safely and responsibly.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Staff meals whilst on duty.
- Uniform provided.
- Company pension.
- Employee discounts across the hotel.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Opportunity to progress within a respected independent hotel.
- Supportive and friendly working environment.
Equal Opportunities
Balmer Lawn Hotel is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
