Trainee Chef / Commis Chef – The Lion at Ickleton (Cambridgeshire)
The Lion at Ickleton is a beautiful village pub brought back to life by its community.
Following an incredible wave of local support in 2025, over 400 shareholders came together to purchase and fully renovate this much-loved pub. Now reopened, The Lion sits at the heart of village life, and we’re now looking for a Trainee or Commis Chef to join our kitchen team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with little or no professional kitchen experience who is passionate about food and eager to learn. You’ll be working closely with our Head Chef, who brings over 20 years of experience in Head Chef roles, is deeply passionate about seasonal, locally sourced produce, and is highly respected within the local food scene. If you’re looking to start a career in hospitality, you couldn’t ask for a better environment to learn and grow.
The Role
This is a hands-on, entry-level kitchen role where you’ll learn the foundations of professional cooking in a supportive and friendly environment.
You’ll be trained in preparing and cooking a simple, high-quality British pub menu, with a focus on fresh ingredients, classic dishes, and excellent Sunday lunches. No two days are the same, and you’ll gain experience across all areas of the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting with food preparation and basic cooking tasks
- Learning how to prepare and cook dishes to a high standard
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and safe
- Following food hygiene and safety procedures
- Working as part of a close-knit, supportive team
- Learning from an experienced Head Chef and developing your skills over time
The Opportunity
The pub is currently open five days a week, shortly to expand to seven-day opening. This role offers a genuine pathway into a chef career, with the chance to develop your skills and take on more responsibility over time.
Alongside your salary, you’ll also receive a fair share of tips, reflecting your contribution to the team’s success.
You’ll be part of a community-owned pub where your work truly matters — not just to the business, but to the village as a whole.
We’re Looking For Someone Who
- Has a passion for food and cooking
- Is keen to learn and develop new skills
- Has a positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Works well in a team
- Is reliable, punctual, and willing to get stuck in
- Previous kitchen experience is a bonus, but not required
About The Lion
The Lion is a community-owned free house in the heart of Ickleton, supported by more than 400 shareholders. After a full renovation, the pub has reopened as a welcoming village local built around good food, good drink and good company.
Our goal is simple: to create a vibrant village pub the community can be proud of.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £13.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
