Brakspear Reviews

2.9

20% would recommend to a friend

(20 total reviews)

Don A. Bridgman

20% approve of CEO

6% positive business outlook

Brakspear has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 20 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Brakspear employee rating is 21% below average for employers within the Restaurants and food service industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

20 reviews
3.0
4 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Bright and friendly team to make things bearable.

Cons

It's the middle of nowhere and the pay isn't special so the job is not attracting a large number of talanted and experienced people. The place is always busy and you're expected to give maximum effort every week without being tired. Ops management doesn't see the need to pay people any better, even as they comment on sharply increasing revenue whilst the team burns out.

3.0
8 Mar 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Minimum Wage Pay (with Some Room for Improvement): While the pay is currently set at minimum wage, there are some positive aspects to the compensation package. For those starting out in the industry or looking for an entry-level position, it provides a straightforward way to get your foot in the door. However, it’s clear that the pay does not reflect the amount of work or responsibility expected, and there’s room for improvement to better align compensation with the skills and effort required. Paid Holidays Based on Weekly Hours (Fair for Part-Time Workers): The paid holiday system, while based on your weekly hours worked, ensures that those working part-time can still benefit from paid time off. This makes it more accessible for those who are balancing multiple commitments or working reduced hours. Although it may not be as generous as some full-time benefits packages, it’s still a positive aspect for those who don’t have full-time schedules. Friendly Staff That Makes the Workplace Bearable: One of the standout positives is the friendly and supportive staff. Despite the challenges, there are several team members who create a welcoming and positive environment. These colleagues make even the busiest, most stressful shifts feel more manageable, and the camaraderie helps to foster a sense of teamwork and community in the workplace. For those who enjoy working with friendly people, this is a definite plus. One Exceptional Chef Who Sets the Standard: The kitchen is fortunate to have at least one highly skilled chef who consistently delivers top-notch work. This individual is a real asset to the team, bringing both technical skill and leadership to the kitchen. Their ability to maintain high standards despite challenges is a rare and appreciated quality, and it sets a positive example for others. While more skilled chefs would elevate the kitchen overall, this one standout chef helps keep the kitchen running smoothly and ensures that the food quality remains high.

Cons

Poor Equipment and Maintenance: The equipment in the kitchen is constantly breaking down, with fridges being the worst offenders. One of the doors is barely hanging on, and the rubber seals are old and ineffective. This results in ice blocks building up inside the fridge, which has been an ongoing issue for months. Despite bringing this up several times, management's response is always the same: "Just get on with it." This lack of attention to basic maintenance is frustrating and makes working conditions unnecessarily difficult. Lack of Organization and Stock Management: The kitchen management is seriously lacking. Stock is frequently empty, and essential ingredients for prep are often missing. This forces the team to work with whatever is available, leading to a "cowboy" approach to cooking, where improvisation is the norm. It's hard to be productive and efficient when the right tools and ingredients aren’t provided. Unreliable Scheduling: Scheduling is another issue. They change shifts and schedules without any prior notice, leaving staff scrambling to adjust their plans. The lack of communication around scheduling creates confusion and makes it hard to maintain a balanced work-life routine. Sunday Cleaning is Inconsistent: Sundays are meant to be for deep cleaning, but this is rarely followed through. The cleaning process is superficial at best, with only some areas getting a proper deep clean while others are neglected. Nothing is done properly, and no one is held accountable if a section is poorly closed or cleaned. Poor Leadership and Management: The Head Chef doesn’t seem to care about the kitchen’s overall performance or discipline. There’s a clear lack of leadership, with the Head Chef failing to keep staff in line. People are allowed to do whatever they want, likely out of fear of losing team members. This lack of authority and oversight creates a chaotic environment where standards slip, and the kitchen struggles to function smoothly

Viewing 1 - 3 of 20 Reviews

Glassdoor has 21 Brakspear reviews submitted anonymously by Brakspear employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Brakspear is right for you.