At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals while managing multiple orders in a busy kitchen.
- Company: Join British Garden Centres, a well-established family business with a growing reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy no evening shifts, a 50% meal discount, and discounts at our stores and leisure park.
- Why this job: Create your own specials and take pride in your culinary creations in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen, creativity in cooking, and knowledge of food hygiene are essential.
- Other info: Flexible weekend availability and a driving license are required; applications close on 11th July 2025.
We are looking for a skilled Chef to prepare delicious meals according to the menu. You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery.
An excellent Chef must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multi-tasking. Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques is also important. Flexible with weekends and able to do overtime. Need to drive.
The goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele. If you are looking for a role where you are given the opportunity to take pride in your work, where you can create your own ideas for specials and home baking, then we would love to hear from you.
What We Offer- No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year-round business.
- Security of working in a well-established expanding family business.
- Rate Of Pay Negotiable, Dependent Upon Skills And Experience.
- Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Yearβs Day & Easter Sunday.
- 50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, discount rates available at our Leisure Park.
- Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
- Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.
- Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.
- Knowledge of HACCP.
- Able to manage multiple orders.
- Professionalism and reliability.
- Remain calm under pressure.
- Good time management.
- Level 2 basic food hygiene is an advantage.
- The taking of deliveries.
- Food preparation.
- Producing specials.
- Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
- Monitor portion size and waste.
If you have passion, can work equally well as part of a team or independently, are up for a challenge and thrive in a fast-paced work environment, then we would love you to become part of our work family.
To ApplyPlease send your CV to Darren Smith, Restaurant Manager at dsmith@britishgardencentres.com. Applications close on Friday 11th July 2025. Due to the high volume of applications, if your application is successful, someone from the management team will be in touch with you, thank you.
Chef/Cook employer: British Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
British Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chef/Cook
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the menu and any specials that the British Garden Centres offer. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you demonstrate your creativity in suggesting new ideas during the interview.
β¨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and food hygiene standards, as these are crucial in a kitchen environment. Being able to discuss these topics confidently can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your ability to handle multiple orders efficiently. You might want to think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed a busy kitchen or dealt with high-pressure situations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Since the role requires flexibility with weekends, be ready to discuss your availability openly. Showing that you are willing to work during peak times can make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef/Cook
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in busy kitchens, especially any roles where you had to manage multiple orders or work under pressure. Include specific examples of dishes you've created or special menus you've contributed to.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cooking and how you can contribute to the British Garden Centres' reputation. Mention your creativity in making dishes and any experience with carvery or HACCP knowledge.
Showcase Your Skills: If you have certifications like Level 2 basic food hygiene, be sure to mention them. Highlight your ability to follow instructions and your time management skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position. This can help keep your application top of mind for the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Garden Centres
β¨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in detail. Bring examples of dishes you've created or special recipes that highlight your creativity and ability to follow specifications.
β¨Demonstrate Time Management
Since the role requires managing multiple orders efficiently, be ready to share how you prioritise tasks in a busy kitchen environment. Discuss any strategies you use to stay organised and calm under pressure.
β¨Highlight Your Teamwork Abilities
Emphasise your experience working as part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the kitchen to ensure timely meal delivery and maintain high standards.
β¨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with HACCP principles and food hygiene practices. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge and any relevant certifications, such as Level 2 basic food hygiene, to demonstrate your commitment to safety in the kitchen.