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, free Cook School classes, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible shifts across multiple locations with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and share your love for cooking with others.
- Qualifications: Interest in food and hospitality; previous experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 € per hour.
Location: This role requires flexibility to work across all our 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 e-commerce 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
Requirements:
- 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
Benefits:
- Industry-leading discounts across our portfolio of trusted, high-quality brands
- Complimentary Cook School classes
- Longevity holiday benefit
- 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.
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
Borough Kitchen is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where passion for cooking and hospitality thrives. With flexible shifts across multiple London locations, employees enjoy industry-leading discounts, complimentary Cook School classes, and a commitment to wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. We prioritise employee growth and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their culinary journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook School Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Borough Kitchen vibe! Visit our stores or check out our online presence to understand what we’re all about. This will help you connect with us during interviews and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at our Cook School events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your name on the top of the list when we’re hiring.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your passion for cooking! During interviews, share your favourite recipes or cooking experiences. We love candidates who are enthusiastic about food and hospitality, so let your personality shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the Borough Kitchen experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook School Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and entertaining. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for food – it really helps us see your personality shine through!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Cook School Associate role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that align with our key responsibilities, like hosting guests or assisting in a kitchen environment. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and interest in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our Borough Kitchen family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough Kitchen
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of ingredients and cooking techniques that Borough Kitchen values. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, as this shows your passion for cooking and understanding of the culinary world.
✨Show Your Hospitality Skills
Since this role involves hosting guests, think about examples from your past experiences where you've created a welcoming environment. Share stories that highlight your communication skills and ability to engage with people, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle the physical demands of the job. Prepare to discuss how you manage tasks like lifting heavy items or maintaining cleanliness in a busy kitchen. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role's challenges.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Borough Kitchen values a collaborative spirit, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Highlight how you support others, especially in a kitchen setting, and your willingness to assist chef instructors and fellow associates during classes.
