As part of ‘Open Kitchen Week 2023’, Chef Network has enlisted restaurants across Ireland and Northern Ireland to offer slots in kitchens throughout the week of 6 to 12 November.

There are over 300 places available in 50 food establishments in 14 counties, including high-profile names such as Bread 41 in Dublin, Elbow Lane in Cork and 2 Taps Wine Bar in Belfast.

Aspiring chefs can sign up for a two- to three-hour shift, a full day or even a particular service such as breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This is the first year of this brand-new initiative, with plans already in place for an expanded annual ‘Open Kitchen Week’ in 2024 and beyond.

'Spark curiosity'

Ruth Hegarty, from egg&chicken Food Consultancy, who is leading the project for Chef Network says: “This is for anyone who has considered any kind of kitchen or culinary career, or it might spark someone’s curiosity for the first time.”

The official launch of Open Kitchen Week took place in Café En Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin, on 12 September.

A professional chef, Chef Network spokesperson and culinary director at Gather & Gather Ireland Mark Anderson says: “It's a chance to get behind the pass and see how professional kitchens and chefs operate in a fast-paced, exciting environment that will hopefully highlight the positive industry that I love to work in every day.”

Chef Network was launched in February 2016 with the backing of The Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance as a professional network for chefs of all levels and from all sectors on the island of Ireland.

Chef Network’s core aims are to create a collaborative community for chefs, contribute to the professionalism and professional development by chefs and to make the industry better.

About the initiative

A number of programmes set out by Chef Network work towards creating a positive future for the profession.

The kitchen workplace charter sets out principles to adhere to in every kitchen to ensure that positive change can be achieved with interactive workshops and by adhering to the five principles laid out by the charter.

Anyone interested in exploring the opportunity can sign up by visiting openkitchen.ie.