At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook delicious meals and keep the kitchen running smoothly during service.
- Company: Join a popular, family-run café in a vibrant garden centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy free staff parking, café discounts, and 28 days’ annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible daytime hours with no evening shifts, perfect for students!
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team serving tasty food in a lively environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a passion for high-quality cooking.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
About us
Our café is part of a popular, independent, family-run garden centre in Ashtead.
About the café
We serve breakfast, speciality tea and coffee, cakes, pizza, light lunches and ice cream. The café seats around 300 customers including outdoor seating. Afternoon Tea is served in our function room, which can also be booked for larger parties and events.
The role
- Cook meals efficiently while maintaining quality and presentation standards
- Keep the kitchen running smoothly during service
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and customer satisfaction
- Follow food safety requirements, including correct handling and storage of ingredients
- Keep the kitchen clean, organised and well stocked
- Support the wider café operation and help out in other areas as needed
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience working in a busy kitchen
- High standards of cooking, hygiene and customer service
- Professional, organised and proactive, with excellent communication skills
- Reliable time-keeper who can work well under pressure
- Food hygiene and health & safety trained (or willing to complete training)
Hours
Part-time role including alternate weekends. Daytime shifts only (no evenings).
Free staff parking
Discount in the café and garden centre
28 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata
Daytime hours
Job type: Part-time
Cook (part-time) in Ashtead employer: Ashteadpark
Join our vibrant café located within a beloved family-run garden centre in Ashtead, where we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers. As a part-time Cook, you'll enjoy flexible daytime hours, competitive benefits including discounts and generous annual leave, and the opportunity to grow your culinary skills in a supportive environment that values teamwork and high standards of service. Experience the joy of working in a bustling kitchen while contributing to memorable dining experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (part-time) in Ashtead
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Ashteadpark and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (part-time) in Ashtead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Ashteadpark that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Ashteadpark.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Ashteadpark get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashteadpark
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Ashteadpark and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
