At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food and drink preparation, serving customers with a smile.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council at the Look Out Discovery Centre.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, social environment, and a chance to work near beautiful woodlands.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team creating memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, reliable, and committed to excellent customer service.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
We are looking for enthusiastic Catering Assistants to work on a casual, flexible basis, to support us during peak busy times, in particular on weekends and holiday periods. The Look Out Discovery Centre is a very popular visitor attraction with a hands-on science and discovery exhibition, gift shop, coffee shop and play area, set in 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodlands. Help us deliver a great experience to our customers and you will experience a great place to work.
About You
You will be committed and reliable, with the ability and willingness to work flexibly to ensure the consistent provision of services in our cafe. A strong commitment to customer service is essential, along with the confidence to engage with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, helping to create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone.
About The Team
The Woodlarks Cafe team plays a key role in helping ensure our customers enjoy their day out at The Look Out Discovery Centre. We take pride in offering friendly, high-quality service while keeping our environment clean, safe and enjoyable for all. Open seven days a week, The Look Out Discovery Centre is dedicated to providing a fun and relaxing experience. As part of our team, you will play an important role in making each visit a memorable one.
Key responsibilities
- To assist with the preparation and service of food and drinks including the operation of the point-of-sale system.
- To provide a service to the customers, in a polite and efficient manner.
- To work safely within Health, Safety and Hygiene policies and instructions.
Our benefits
- An inclusive and social working environment.
- Internal sports and social club opportunities.
- The opportunity to engage with a variety of customers and deliver great customer care.
- To work on the doorstep of the picturesque Swinley forest.
Our values
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day.
If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 19th August and Friday 21st August 2026. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
Mike Carne, Catering Manager Tel.: 01344 354077
Please be aware that my working hours differ each week and include weekends. Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Please note that this particular role is on a casual basis and therefore does not meet the minimum requirements for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration regulations. As such, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Casual Catering Assistant employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing addiction challenges. With extensive training programmes, generous leave policies, and opportunities for career development, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the well-being of the community in Bracknell. The council's commitment to employee welfare, including hybrid working options and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, makes it an attractive place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Catering Assistant
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council 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 Casual Catering Assistant
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 Bracknell Forest Council 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 Bracknell Forest Council.
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 Bracknell Forest Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council 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.