Working at Zeffirellis - Please see the positions available below. Jobs

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

Commis Chef/ Chef de Partie

Job Reference: Chefs
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 seeking a passionate and motivated Commis chef to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate has a love for vegetarian cuisine, a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and grow within a fast-paced, collaborative kitchen environment. You'll be supporting our chefs in daily prep and service, maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and presentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation and cooking of vegetarian dishes, following recipes and direction from senior chefs
• Wash, peel, chop and portion vegetables and other plant-based ingredients
• Help with the prep work ahead of service
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation all kitchen areas
• Ensure proper storage and rotation of fresh produce and dry goods
• Adhere to all food safety, hygiene and health regulations
• Take direction and feedback positively, with a willingness to learn and grow
• Support the team during busy service periods and help maintain a smooth kitchen flow
• Occasionally assist in developing new plant-based dishes or specials

About You:

• Some prior experience in a professional kitchen preferred, but not essential
• A genuine interest in vegetarian or plant-based cuisine
• Basic knife skills and an understanding of kitchen hygiene practices
• Ability to work efficiently in a team under pressure
• Reliable, punctual and eager to learn
• Food hygiene certificate (or willingness to obtain)

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

Vegetarian Guest House Manager

Job Reference: AMBMAN
Pay: Competitive, dependent on experience + live-in accommodation available

Job Description

Ambleside Manor is an award-winning, exclusively vegetarian boutique guest house set in a beautiful Victorian property in the heart of the Lake District. Operated by the renowned Zeffirellis Group, the Manor offers elegant accommodation and breakfast service with a focus on wholesome vegetarian cuisine, warm hospitality, and sustainable living. We are now seeking a hands-on Manager or Management Couple to oversee the day-to-day operations of this beautiful property and lead our small, dedicated team. This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced hospitality professionals or a couple to manage one of the region’s most highly regarded boutique accommodations, proudly part of a long-established vegetarian hospitality group.

About the Role

• Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including guest relations, reservations, housekeeping, maintenance, and breakfast service.
• Lead and motivate the Manor team to deliver consistently excellent guest experiences.
• Manage rotas, training, and performance in line with company policies and guest service standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness, and safety throughout the property.
• Monitor occupancy, guest feedback, and financial performance
• Implement initiatives to enhance revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with all health + safety, and food hygiene regulations.
• Liaise with the Zeffirellis Group leadership team and contribute to wider operational and marketing activities across the group’s restaurants, cinemas, and accommodation portfolio.

About You

• Proven experience in hospitality management, ideally within a guest house, small hotel, or boutique accommodation setting.
• Passion for hospitality, guest care, and detail-oriented service.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a small team.
• Organised, proactive, and confident in handling day-to-day operations independently.
• Familiarity with booking systems, guest management software, and basic financial reporting.
• Right to work in the UK.

Live-In Opportunity

Quality on-site accommodation is available, making this an ideal position for a couple or individual looking to live and work in one of the most picturesque areas of the Lake District.

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