At a Glance
- Tasks: Support chef instructors and create a welcoming environment for cooking classes.
- Company: Borough Kitchen, the UK's leading premium retailer for cooking enthusiasts.
- Benefits: Industry discounts, complimentary classes, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts across multiple London locations with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and share your love for food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in cooking; previous experience is a bonus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Location: This role requires flexibility to work across all our London Cook School locations, including Hampstead High Street, Battersea Power Station, Islington Square and Chiswick High Road.
Hours: 2–3 shifts per week (minimum 12 hours), typically 16:30–22:30 Monday to Saturday.
About us: Borough Kitchen is the UK’s leading premium retailer for people who love to cook and entertain. We provide quality-tested products for the kitchen and table, alongside in-depth knowledge, advice and inspiration through our stores, online shop, and cook school. Borough Kitchen has five stores across London and a significant eCommerce presence. We search within the UK and around the world for the best products; each piece is meticulously chosen and tested based on function, quality, and durability. Our commitment has won us a unique, trusted position in the industry and strong partnerships with premium brands. We put a lot of care into the work we do, and are seeking candidates who share our passion for cooking, entertaining, and providing the best experience for customers.
About the role: We’re looking for a reliable, friendly and detail-oriented Cook School Associate to support our chef instructors and ensure smooth delivery of our cooking classes. You’ll work closely with our small, passionate team to create an engaging and welcoming experience for every guest. This role is physically demanding, involving regular standing for long periods, lifting heavy items (e.g. cookware, boxes, stock), and maintaining a fast pace during cleaning and class turnover. Please note: This role involves regular handling of raw meat and fish.
Key responsibilities:
- Host our guests in a warm and friendly environment
- Assist chef instructors by preparing ingredients and equipment ahead of each class (Mise en place)
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment
- Follow all food hygiene and health & safety guidelines
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies
- Support guests during classes to ensure a great experience
- Handle post-class cleaning, laundry and resetting of the space
Availability for 2 - 3 shifts per week (evenings and some Saturdays).
Ability to commute to all Borough Kitchen Cook School locations listed above.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A strong interest in food, cooking and hospitality.
Previous kitchen or hospitality experience is a bonus but not essential.
Comfortable using Google Workspace (G-Suite) or similar tools.
Industry-leading discounts across our portfolio of trusted, high-quality brands.
Complimentary Cook School classes.
Longevity holiday benefit for our longstanding team members.
Option to purchase additional annual leave.
Free access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential advice to support your wellbeing and provide expert guidance and resources whenever you or your family need it.
Optional BUPA Private Medical Insurance, employee-funded through salary sacrifice.
We are a proud London Living Wage employer. This accreditation reflects our commitment to supporting our team not just as employees, but as valued experts in cooking and dining.
Borough Kitchen is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to treating all our employees fairly, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality, ethnicity, age, or physical abilities. We value and respect every team member, whether you're part-time or on a fixed-term contract.
Cook School Associate employer: Borough Kitchen Limited
Borough Kitchen is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture across multiple London locations where culinary passion thrives. With industry-leading discounts, complimentary Cook School classes, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, we ensure that our team members feel valued and supported. Join us to grow in a role that not only celebrates cooking but also fosters personal development and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook School Associate
✨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 Borough Kitchen Limited 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 School Associate
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 Borough Kitchen Limited 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 Borough Kitchen Limited.
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 Borough Kitchen Limited get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough Kitchen Limited
✨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 Borough Kitchen Limited 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.
