Company/Organisation Profile

We are a food-led hospitality business based in rural Donegal, operating a pub, restaurant and coffee space with a strong focus on cooking from scratch and using local, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

Our kitchen team is made up of experienced chefs who work across lunch, dinner and special events such as themed dining nights and seasonal menus. We prepare a wide range of dishes, from classic, hearty meals to more creative, modern plates, and our menus change regularly to reflect the seasons and the ingredients available.

We employ around 35 people across the business, including chefs, commis chefs, kitchen assistants, front-of-house staff and baristas. The kitchen is a fast-paced, professional environment where teamwork, organisation, cleanliness and attention to detail are essential.

Students on a culinary work experience placement will be introduced to how a real working kitchen operates. This may include food preparation, basic cooking techniques, kitchen organisation, hygiene and safety standards, and observing how chefs plan and deliver service. The placement is designed to give students a practical insight into what a career as a chef or in the food industry can involve.

No previous kitchen experience is required — just an interest in food, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude.

Placement Details

During their work experience placement, students will be given the opportunity to experience different areas of the business, depending on their interests and the needs of the day.

We aim to provide a supportive and well-structured environment where students can learn how a professional food and hospitality business operates. In the kitchen, students may:

- Assist with basic food preparation such as washing, peeling and chopping ingredients

- Observe and learn about cooking techniques used by professional chefs - Help with plating and presentation during service (where appropriate)

- Learn about kitchen organisation, teamwork and time management

- Gain an understanding of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards - See how menus are planned around seasons and local produce

In front of house, students may:

- Observe and assist with customer service and guest interaction

- Learn how orders are taken and communicated between the floor and kitchen

- Help with setting up dining areas and preparing for service

- Assist with clearing and resetting tables

- Learn the importance of presentation, professionalism and communication Students may also:

- Learn about different roles within a hospitality business

- See how a busy service is planned and managed - Develop practical workplace skills such as punctuality, teamwork and confidence

Placements are tailored where possible, and we are happy to focus more on areas the student is particularly interested in, whether that is cooking, food preparation, customer service or hospitality management.

How to Apply

Students interested in applying for a work experience placement should email a short introduction outlining:

• Their school and year group

• Preferred dates for placement

• Areas of interest (kitchen, culinary skills, front of house, or a mix)

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]