Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in a professional kitchen? As part of its Open Kitchen Week initiative running from 11th – 17th November, Chef Network invites you to step ‘behind the pass’ and experience the inner workings of top kitchens across Northern Ireland.
Chef Network launched Open Kitchen Week in 2023 to give aspiring chefs and those passionate about the culinary arts an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a real insight into the industry. The initiative is open to anyone at any stage of their life – from students exploring new career paths to curious seasoned food enthusiasts, or those looking to make a career change, this is a chance to get an insider understanding of what it’s like to work in Ireland’s leading restaurants, hotels, bakeries, cafes
and workplace kitchens. Those who have already embarked on a chef career can also use the opportunity to get experience in a different sector or establishment type.
Over 150 guest slots are being offered in a huge variety of kitchens all across the country. Participants can choose to commit to a two-hour shift, a full day, or even a full week, depending on the establishment they select.
If you’ve ever thought you’d like the pace and ambition of a restaurant, you can choose from slots in renowned eateries such as Fontana, Stock Restaurant, The Old Inn and Pyke ‘N’ Pommes. Those interested in the hotel sector can experience life in a central hotel like the Maldron in Belfast City. Or perhaps you see yourself in a castle? Open Kitchen Week presents an incredible opportunity to experience kitchen work at Lough Erne and Killeavy Castle Estate.
Commenting on the launch, Ruth Hegarty, who is spearheading the project for Chef Network, said, “This is a simple idea to open people up to the possibility of careers in professional kitchens. There are huge opportunities in this industry and there are so many great places to work and so many exciting roles on offer. Chefs are really open to having anyone who is interested and enthusiastic to come in and experience the kitchen, but people often don’t always realise this is a possibility. So Open Kitchen Week makes that accessible to everyone.”
Chef Network spokesperson and Culinary Director at Gather & Gather Ireland, Mark Anderson, said, “There really is a role to suit everyone with an interest in cooking professionally, so we encourage people to explore. Of course, the more traditional idea of being a chef in a restaurant or hotel is still there, and some people really suit the pace of those environments. Then there are lots of places doing really outstanding food within casual dining, cafés, and workplace catering settings, which can give people daytime weekday hours, while still being really ambitious and creative. And there are any number of opportunities for people interested in working in bread, pastry and chocolate product development. It is hard to think of a job that has more potential for variety, creativity, and travel, as well as pretty much a guaranteed job for life – people always need to eat!”
Registration for Chef Network’s Open Kitchen Week, taking place from 11th – 17th November 2024, opens online on Monday, 16th September at openkitchen.ie
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