How to become a chef
Hey there, aspiring culinary rockstars! If you've got a passion for food, an insatiable appetite for creativity, and an undeniable flair for flavour, then you might be destined to become a chef in the sizzling-hot world of the hospitality industry.
Not sure where to start? Well, as the leading restaurant and pub company in the UK, with 14 brands across 1,700 businesses, you’re spoiled for choice at Mitchells & Butlers. Whether you love traditional pub grub like the mouthwatering dishes served up at our Ember Inns, or you’re a steak geek obsessed with the best cuts and the finest ingredients at a Miller & Carter Steakhouse, there are many reasons you’ll love working in an M&B kitchen.
But you might be wondering what skills and experience you need to be successful. Here’s our flavourful guide on how to become a chef in the hospitality industry:
Get cooking!
To become a top-notch chef, if you’re starting without experience it helps to work from the bottom, building confidence as you work your way up. Just finished college? Working as a kitchen assistant is a great job for under 18s. You’ll get to build teamwork skills, learn how a kitchen operates and more.
If you’re an aspiring culinary enthusiast, then a chef apprenticeship is another great way to kicktsart your career in the kitchen. You’ll gain first-hand experience, and learn the magic of flavours, knife skills, culinary techniques, and how to turn a humble potato into a culinary masterpiece. Qualifications for a chef can vary, from a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery to a foundation degree in culinary arts at a university.
If you’re itching to get in the kitchen, apply to an entry-level job in a restaurant or gain experience in a summer job in the kitchen.
Spice up your skills
Just like adding a pinch of salt can transform a dish, honing your skills is the secret ingredient to success. Be curious and open to learning new techniques. And remember, practice makes perfect! So don't be afraid to invite your friends over and unleash your culinary creations on them (be prepared for brutally honest feedback!).
A chef apprenticeship is a great way to develop the skills you need to kick start your career, and earning as you learn is a massive bonus! Don’t just take it from us, learn how Ashea, Jack and Lauren made the most of their apprenticeships.
When you train to become a professional chef on one of our apprenticeships, we’ll help you master the menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! Plus, whether you’re a college student or on the hunt for a new career that fires you up, you’re never too old to do an apprenticeship.
Seek inspiration
If you’re a budding chef then it’s no surprise that one of your most important tools is your taste buds!
Like the brain or any part of your body, it’s important to exercise them. One of the most fun parts of working with food is trying it! At M&B you’ll get to master pre-set menus that are specially crafted to delight guests. And if you love dining out, you’ll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all of our brands when you join us.
Keep your tastebuds alert by trying different cuisines. Immerse yourself in cookbooks, food blogs, and cooking shows. Follow renowned chefs on social media for a daily dose of mouthwatering food inspo.
Embrace failure (and burnt soufflés)
We can't sugarcoat it, but setbacks are a part of any culinary journey. Burnt soufflés, soggy pastries, and the occasional kitchen disasters will happen. Embrace them as valuable learning experiences.
The kitchen is a wild, fiery space where pots and pans sizzle, and things can occasionally boil over. Being comfortable in the exciting hustle and bustle of a fast-paced kitchen is part of the process! Just remember to take a deep breath, dust off the flour, and keep pushing forward. Remember, even Michelin-starred chefs had their fair share of cooking calamities!
Rise to the occasion
Once you've gained some experience and confidence, it's time to spread your culinary wings and fly! Look for opportunities to lead a kitchen, be it as a sous chef, kitchen manager, or head chef.
And don’t be afraid to be yourself and bring a big dash of your personality to the kitchen! Having a successful chef career isn’t just about food. Our kitchen assistants, chefs and kitchen managers don't come to work in an M&B kitchen just because they run like well-oiled machines. We love having fun together and enjoy an inclusive environment where everyone, including people like Ellie, are welcomed and supported in their career development.
Get ready to dice, slice, and sauté your way to glory!
Becoming a chef in the hospitality industry is an exhilarating and challenging journey. It requires dedication, a hunger for knowledge, and a dash of fearlessness. So, tie that apron tight, sharpen those knives, and get ready to embark on a tantalising adventure that will set taste buds dancing and keep guests coming through the doors!
If you’re ready to create magic in the kitchen, and let your passion for food take you to dizzying new heights, apply for kitchen jobs at M&B today. Bon appétit!
Receive articles like this
Looking for more related content to feast on?
If you like what you're reading but you're hungry for more, we've got a little something for you.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2024
Summary
So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2024
Summary
At M&B, we're on a bold sustainability mission with an ambitious goal: reaching Net Zero by 2040. Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is driving innovative changes across our oper
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
What is a Team Leader job? Are you a natural-born leader with a passion for food? Then we’ve got a place for you as one of our Kitchen Team Leaders at Mitchells and Butlers. As a Team Leader in
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/04/2024
Summary
Whether you’re a school leaver, a student, or a parent looking to put some extra cash in the bank, a summer pub job can be the perfect solution. But how do you find that ideal summer job that’s fun, a
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
To celebrate National Coming Out Day this year, we spoke to several people at M&B to hear about their experience, including Keith Meadows who works at The Hesketh Arms Pub & Restaurant. Keith is o
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/05/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, our chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion into every dish they craft. But what about when they need a little culinary comfort themselves? We've delve
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen? Whether you’re moving between Mitchells and Butlers brands or teams, or looking for an exciting new role, there are plenty of kitchen assistant skills that
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Think that being a Kitchen Assistant is a boring job with no career progression? Think again! That’s just one of many big myths about working in a kitchen. There’s much more to being a Kitchen Assista
by
Rachael Langley
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
Evenings are staying lighter for longer and the days are growing warmer. Dare we say summer is on the way? If you’re thinking “How can I make money as a student?” and are keen to make some extra cas
by
Jess Birch
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Woolpack, Telford, TF5 0LW
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Sizzling Pub & Grill
Location
Telford
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at the W
Reference
2301540
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £36000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Mitchells and Butlers – South East , Kingston Centre, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BA, United Kingdom
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
As Head Chef at Join us at Mitchells & Butlers, the heart of hospitality. With over 1,600 businesses we’re the home of some of the nation's favourite restaurants, bustling bars, cosy country pubs and
Reference
2254213
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Emily SmithAuthor
Emily SmithSalary
Competitive Salary
Location
EGO - Sutton-In-Ashfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 8HX
Departments
Sous Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
EGO
Location
Sutton-in-Ashfield
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Sous Chef at
Reference
2297461
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…