At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present delicious carvery meals in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Company: Join a well-established family business with a growing reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive pay, and generous meal discounts.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity and culinary excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial catering and knowledge of carvery techniques.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Location: Hitchin
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time (15 hours a week including weekends, fully flexible and able to work weekends).
We are looking for a skilled Chef to prepare delicious carvery. 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. Our goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
- Work safely around the kitchen equipment.
- Maintain accurate food ordering and stock levels.
- Assist in keeping the kitchen clean, hygienic, and tidy at all times.
- Monitor portion size and waste.
- Preparation of carvery.
- Cleaning of carvery.
- Completing relevant paperwork & records as required.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience of working in a commercial catering environment.
- Knowledge of carvery.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
- Knowledge of HACCP.
- Knowledge of allergens, meat weights and portion control.
- Professionalism and reliability.
- Remains calm under pressure.
- Good time management.
- Level 2 basic food hygiene.
Benefits
- 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 Year's Day & Easter Sunday.
- 50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store (discount rates available at our Leisure Park).
Applications close – Friday 2nd July 2026. If your application is successful, someone from the management team will be in touch with you.
Chef – Carvery in Hitchin employer: British Garden Centres
Join our expanding family business in Hitchin as a Chef – Carvery, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values your skills and creativity. With flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and generous discounts at our restaurants and stores, we prioritise employee well-being and growth, ensuring you have the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment. Experience the satisfaction of contributing to our reputation for excellence while enjoying the security of a well-established company that values its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef – Carvery in Hitchin
✨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 British Garden Centres 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 Chef – Carvery in Hitchin
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 British Garden Centres 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 British Garden Centres.
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 British Garden Centres get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Garden Centres
✨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 British Garden Centres 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.
