Chef Network invites you to go behind the pass to find out what it’s really like to
work in a professional kitchen

Open Kitchen opens up professional kitchens to show the public the reality of life as a chef. During one designated week in the year, professional kitchens all over the country offer bookable slots to those interested in a culinary career, or who want to understand what it is really like to work in a professional kitchen, to come in and experience it for themselves.

Launched for the first time in 2023, Open Kitchen Week aims to bust myths about professional kitchens and challenge stereotypes about chefs. Chef Network members pride themselves on creating a positive kitchen culture and adore their jobs as culinary professionals, and they want to show you what it’s all about.

Who are we?

Chef Network is a professional community of chefs throughout the island of Ireland. Our members are chefs working in all kinds of culinary roles and kitchens, who have come together to support each other, promote culinary careers and professional development, and create a positive culture in the culinary professions. Find out more on www.chefnetwork.ie

The kitchens taking part in Open Kitchen Week range from casual and fine-dining restaurants, pubs, hotels and cafes to bakeries, chocolatiers, and ice-cream makers, and workplace catering inside some of the biggest companies in the country.

Who is Open Kitchen for?

Open Kitchen is open to all participants over the age of 16. We are inviting anyone who is considering a culinary career or who has a love of cooking, baking, or food in general to find out what it is like to pursue this passion professionally. This could include Transition year and Senior Cycle students, and career changers or those returning to the workplace, of all ages. We are also eager to get participation from anyone who influences career choices; so that includes parents, teachers, career guidance councillors, and journalists. In addition, we are happy to welcome student and early career chefs who would like to take the opportunity to explore different kitchens and sectors.

Our aim is to showcase positive kitchen work environments and to tell a positive stories about working in culinary careers – all are welcome!

Why take part?

Restaurant kitchens often have a reputation for being high pressure environments where everyone is striving for perfection and things move at a super-fast pace. This can be true of some kitchens, and some people really thrive on this environment. But there are all kinds of kitchens, and all kinds of culinary professionals; the opportunities are endless.

Kitchens are places to explore creativity, to build camaraderie with a team, to hone incredible life skills, and to keep learning throughout your career. A life in food can be full of variety and take your virtually anywhere.

Taking part in Open Kitchen Week can give you a little taste for what that life, those opportunities, could be, and could open the door to further work experience, study, or a job.

How does it work?

Chef Network member kitchens – all across the island of Ireland, and across all kinds of establishments and sectors – will host guest slots during Open Kitchen Week. Depending on the kitchen, you may be able to visit for a few hours or a full day, and will have the chance to meet the team, see what their jobs involve, get a feel for life in a kitchen, and even do some simple and safe kitchen activities.

To take part, check out our list of Open Kitchens list of Open Kitchens, search for kitchens in your locality and filter by the kitchen category you are interested in, choose a date and time that suits you, and book your slot.

Since these are real working environments, and we want you to experience a real day in the life behind the scenes, there are of course health and safety considerations. So, in advance of your kitchen slot, we will send you a short induction (videos and questionnaire) which will take about 30 minutes to complete. Then you will receive final details for your visit and be put in direct contact with your kitchen host.

FAQs

Got a question about Open Kitchen Week? Email info@chefnetwork.ie and we will add answers to common questions here.

Want to be an Open Kitchen Host?

Get information for host kitchens on ww.chefnetwork.ie/openkitchen or apply now to be an Open Kitchen Week 2024 Host Kitchen