Working at Zeffirellis - Please see the positions available below. Jobs
Job opportunities at Zeffirellis will be posted in local press and on our website below.
We welcome applications for seasonal positions.
Sous Chef
Job Reference: Chefs
Pay: From £35,000 + Strong Share of Gratuities (circa £5,000–£7,000 per year)
More Info / Contact: Fabio
Job Description
About Us :
Staff accommodation available locally in Ambleside
Join a Lake District hospitality icon! Great food, great people, and a kitchen you’ll be proud to lead.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Zeffirellis has been a much-loved destination for over 45 years, combining award-winning vegetarian cuisine, independent cinema, and live music in one unique experience.
We are proud to offer something different. A creative, community-driven environment where food, culture and hospitality come together.
The Role:
We are now looking for a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to support the leadership of our kitchen.
This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with the Head Chef to deliver consistently high-quality food, lead the team during service, and contribute to the ongoing development of the kitchen.
You will be instrumental in maintaining standards, supporting junior chefs, and ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly day-to-day.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in leading and organising the kitchen team
- Deliver high-quality dishes consistently during busy service
- Maintain excellent standards of food preparation, presentation and hygiene
- Support menu development using fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Train and mentor junior chefs, helping them develop their skills
- Manage stock levels and assist with ordering and kitchen organisation
- Work closely with front-of-house to ensure a seamless guest experience
About You:
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up
- Confident running service and leading a team
- Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food safety
- Passion for fresh, high-quality food (vegetarian experience a bonus, not essential)
- Calm, organised and reliable under pressure
- A positive, team-focused attitude
What We Offer
- Salary From £35,000
- Strong gratuities
- Staff meals on shift
- Company pension
- Staff discounts across the group
- A stable, supportive working environment
- Opportunities for progression across our venues
Why Zeffirellis
Zeffirellis is not a standard kitchen.
We’ve built a team culture based on professionalism, respect and consistency. Our approach has created a strong, committed team who genuinely enjoy working together and value the work-life balance we offer.
With access to excellent local suppliers, a loyal customer base, and a unique multi-venue environment, this is a rare opportunity to be part of something established, yet still evolving.
How to Apply
- If this sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short introduction to careers@zeffirellis.com
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
For full details and to apply please visit Zeffirellis, or email careers@zeffirellis.com
Pastry Chef
Job Reference: Pastry Chef
Pay: Salary negotiable depending on experience plus excellent tips, accommodation may be available.
More Info / Contact: Fabio
Job Description
About Us
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Zeffirellis has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over 45 years. We’re proud to be a beloved destination for award-winning vegetarian cuisine, independent film, live music, and exceptional hospitality.
Our vibrant, multi-venue company includes:
- Zeffirellis – An Italian-inspired vegetarian restaurant with a lively jazz bar and two cinema screens.
- Fellinis – A Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian restaurant with an elegant feel and one cinema screen.
- Zeffirellis by the Park – A dedicated cinema venue with two additional screens, bringing our total to five.
- Ambleside Manor – A charming vegetarian bed & breakfast in central Ambleside.
Whether it’s dining, film, live jazz, or a relaxing stay, Zeffirellis offers a unique experience grounded in creativity, sustainability, and warmth.
The Role:
We are looking for a creative and passionate Pastry Chef to join our team in a vibrant vegetarian restaurant/cafe. The ideal candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality, plant-based pastries, desserts and baked goods that align with our vegetarian ethos. You'll have a strong understanding of flavour combinations, seasonal ingredients and the ability to innovate within dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten free options.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide excellent service with a friendly and professional attitude
- Support day-to-day operations in your area
- Maintain our high standards of presentation, and guest experience
- Menu development: create, test and refine a range of vegetarian-friendly desserts, pastries and baked goods. Including vegan and gluten-free options.
- Preparation & production: Prepare pastries, desserts and baked goods daily, ensuring consistent quality, presentation and portion control
- Ingredient management: source and manage high-quality, plant-based ingredients, maintaining freshness, minimising waste and optimising food costs.
- Kitchen hygiene & safety: Maintain a clean, organised and compliant pastry station, adhering to all food safety and hygiene standards
- Collaboration: Work closely with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to coordinate service, ensure smooth operations and respond to customer feedback
- Seasonal innovation: Develop and introduce new pastry items that reflect the seasons, current trends and our commitment to sustainable, vegetarian dining
- Quality control: regularly review products for taste, texture, appearance and adherence to dietary requirements
About You
- Proven experience as a pastry chef or similar role in a restaurant, cafe or bakery environment
- Strong knowledge of vegetarian and vegan baking techniques and ingredients or willingness to learn
- creativity and attention to detail in presentation and flavour pairing
- good organisational and time-management skills
- understanding of allergen awareness and dietary restrictions
- NVQ in patisserie or Culinary Art or an equivalent certification preferred
- Ability to work early mornings, weekends and holidays as required
- Passionate about food
- A strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a team
- Enthusiastic, proactive and ready to learn
No Experience? No problem. If you have a positive attitude and are eager to learn, we will provide full training. This role suits someone who is friendly, reliable, and enjoys working in a close-knit team with varied day-to-day responsibilities.
What We Offer
- A friendly and creative working environment
- Staff perks including discounted cinema passes and meal discounts
- Opportunities for development and progression across different venues
- Competitive pay and flexible hours where possible
- Be part of a company that values individuality, sustainability, and community
- Flexible working hours
- Meal provided on shift
- Staff car park nearby
How to Apply
- If this sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short introduction to careers@zeffirellis.com
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
For full details and to apply please visit Zeffirellis, or email careers@zeffirellis.com
Guest House Assistant
Job Reference: AMBMAN
Pay: £13.00 an hour + staff benefits
Job Description
Looking for a lifestyle role in the Lake District?
Ambleside Manor is a beautiful Victorian guest house in the heart of Ambleside, operated by the long-established Zeffirellis Group. We are looking for a friendly, reliable and hands-on team member to join our small hospitality team.
This is a varied role where no two days are the same, ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and takes pride in delivering a warm and welcoming guest experience.
About the Role
This position supports multiple areas of the Manor’s daily operation, including:
- Welcoming guests and assisting with check-in/check-out
- Serving breakfast and supporting morning service
- Preparing and cleaning guest rooms to a high standard
- Assisting guests with local information and recommendations
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the guest house
About You
- Positive and friendly attitude
- Reliable and flexible approach to work
- Good attention to detail
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Previous hospitality experience is helpful but not essential
What We Offer
- Live-in accommodation in central Ambleside
- Staff discounts across the Zeffirellis Group
- Discounted or free meals on shift
- On-site parking
- Beautiful working environment in the Lake District
- Opportunity to grow within an established hospitality business
- Immediate start available
About Zeffirellis Group
The Zeffirellis Group is a family-owned hospitality business established over 45 years ago, encompassing Zeffirellis & Fellinis restaurants, cinemas, Jazz Bar and Ambleside Manor. All venues are proudly vegetarian, blending exceptional food, culture, and entertainment with a focus on community and sustainability. Our award-winning operations have made Ambleside a destination for conscious travellers and food lovers alike.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and motivation to careers@zeffirellis.com.
If applying as a couple, please include both CVs and a joint cover letter.
careers@zeffirellis.com
Hospitality Team Members – Full & Part Time
Job Reference: AMBMAN
Pay: From £12.71 an hour
More Info / Contact: Fabio
Job Description
We are now looking for friendly and reliable team members to join our hospitality teams across the group.
We have a variety of opportunities available including:
- Full-time roles
- Part-time roles
- Evening and weekend shifts
- Seasonal and permanent positions
This is a varied and fast-paced role with opportunities to work across different areas of the business depending on your experience, interests and availability.
The Role May Include:
- Welcoming and looking after guests
- Taking food and drink orders
- Serving food, drinks and desserts
- Supporting bar and cinema operations
- Assisting with guest house hospitality services
- Maintaining high service and cleanliness standards
What We’re Looking For:
- Friendly and positive attitude
- Strong communication and people skills
- Reliable and flexible approach to work
- Comfortable working in a busy environment
- Hospitality experience helpful but not essential
What We Offer:
- Flexible working opportunities
- Free or discounted meals on shift
- Friendly and supportive working environment
- Opportunity for progression across multiple venues
- Beautiful Lake District working location
Immediate start available.
To apply, please send your CV and a short introduction to careers@zeffirellis.com
careers@zeffirellis.com