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- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for our restaurant and coffee shop.
- Company: Join Hillier Nurseries, a family business with over 150 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy sociable hours, employee discounts, and 31 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team creating memorable dining experiences in a beautiful garden setting.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your passion for cooking!
- Other info: Flexible shifts available during peak periods; must be located in the UK.
Our Hillier Garden Centre at Newbury is a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, gifts and outdoor living products. Our on-site restaurant and coffee shop is a key part of the experience, providing our customers with delicious, freshly prepared meals in a relaxing environment. We are looking for a talented and passionate Cook to join our restaurant and coffee shop team and help create memorable dining experiences for our customers.
As a Garden Centre Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to light lunches and tasty snacks. You will work closely with the restaurant team to ensure that all food served is of the highest quality and meets our customers' expectations.
To support our busy periods, we are seeking proactive and flexible candidates who are open to taking on additional shifts during peak trading periods. This role is being offered on a part-time, permanent basis with guaranteed hours of 20 hours a week on a rota basis.
We offer:
- Rate of pay of up to £13.21 per hour
- Sociable hours (daytime only)
- No split shifts
- Full training
- Online Learning Hub
- Employee discount of 20%
- Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rata if part time)
- Extended Christmas closure for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the day after
- Free on-site parking
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for both you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters
- Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date with Company)
- Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on your Amazon and food shop
- Free entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and deals at other gardens nationally
You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.
Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status. We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Garden Centre Cook employer: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hillier Nurseries Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Centre Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the menu and offerings at Hillier's restaurant. Knowing the dishes they serve will help you demonstrate your passion for their cuisine during any informal chats or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your flexibility and willingness to work during peak times. Highlighting your availability for extra shifts can make you a more attractive candidate, especially in a busy environment like a garden centre.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and what it takes to succeed in the role, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Visit the garden centre before applying. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you a chance to observe the atmosphere and customer interactions, which you can reference in your discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Centre Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant cooking experience, especially in a restaurant or café setting. Emphasise any roles where you prepared a variety of dishes and worked as part of a team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and customer service. Mention why you want to work at Hillier Nurseries Ltd and how your skills align with their values and the role.
Highlight Flexibility: Since the role requires flexibility during busy periods, make sure to mention your willingness to take on additional shifts. This shows you are proactive and ready to support the team.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: In your application, highlight any previous experiences where you worked closely with a team. This is crucial for the Garden Centre Cook role, as collaboration with the restaurant team is key to success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hillier Nurseries Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and food preparation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for creating delicious meals, especially in a café or restaurant setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research Hillier Nurseries Ltd's menu offerings. Being knowledgeable about their dishes will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you are genuinely interested in the role and the establishment.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
Since the role requires flexibility during busy periods, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to take on extra shifts. Highlight any previous experiences where you worked well in a team, as collaboration is key in a kitchen environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to food safety, cooking techniques, and how you handle high-pressure situations. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and ability to maintain quality under pressure.
