At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving delightful afternoon teas while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join the National Railway Museum's vibrant team in a unique hospitality setting.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and access to exclusive perks and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for paid overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a memorable dining experience in a beautifully restored 1950s carriage.
- Qualifications: Previous hospitality experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 € per hour.
Location: National Railway Museum, York
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Contract: Part-Time, Permanent, 24 hours per week + paid overtime
Shifts: Shifts are varied, weekend work is required
What can we offer you:
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- 20 days annual leave excluding bank holidays (based on full time hours)
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Works discounts and promotions
- Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
- On-site F&B discounts.
- No shortage of delicious food
About the Role:
We’re seeking an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to take on a key role aboard the Countess of York, one of the National Railway Museum’s most unique hospitality experiences. Housed within a beautifully restored 1950s carriage, the Countess of York is renowned for its elegant afternoon tea service, offering guests a memorable dining experience in the heart of this iconic heritage attraction. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our catering and service operations within a truly distinctive setting. In this role, you’ll help deliver exceptional hospitality experiences aboard the Countess of York, ensuring guests receive warm, attentive service throughout their visit. From preparing and serving beautifully presented afternoon teas to supporting smooth day‑to‑day operations across both front‑of‑house and kitchen areas, you’ll play an important part in maintaining the high standards that make this venue so special.
This role will be well‑suited to candidates with previous experience in hospitality, cafés, or customer‑facing service environments, particularly those who thrive in a fast‑paced setting and enjoy working as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting in the preparation and serving of afternoon tea items, ensuring quality and presentation standards are met
- Welcoming and seating guests, providing a warm and attentive service throughout their visit
- Supporting the kitchen team with basic food preparation and plate presentation
- Clearing tables efficiently and ensuring the dining area is kept clean and well‑presented
- Washing dishes, cutlery, and glassware to maintain service readiness
- Maintaining cleanliness in all working areas, including the kitchen and service areas, in line with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards
- Restocking service areas and assisting with stock rotation
- Working collaboratively with the whole team to ensure smooth service and a memorable guest experience
- Representing Compass Group UK&I with professionalism and pride
About you:
- Previous experience in a similar hospitality or catering role
- A friendly, positive, and professional manner with a passion for customer service
- Ability to work well as part of a team and take direction from supervisors and chefs
- Flexible and adaptable to different tasks and service needs
- Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with guests
- A proactive approach to maintaining cleanliness and organisation
- Reliability, punctuality, and a can‑do attitude
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Catering Assistant - Part Time employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your creativity is encouraged and your ideas are valued. As a Catering Assistant at the National Railway Museum in York, you'll enjoy benefits such as free staff meals, access to training and development opportunities, and a unique chance to work in a beautifully restored 1950s carriage while delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Join us to be part of a team that celebrates diversity and empowers you to reach your full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant - Part Time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, take a trip to the National Railway Museum and check out the Countess of York. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and service style will help you stand out during your chat with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your friendly and positive attitude shine through. They’re looking for someone who can bring warmth to their guests, so don’t be shy about sharing your passion for customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your teamwork skills. During the interview, share examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively in past roles. This will show that you can adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment like the Countess of York.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the perks and benefits we offer, making it easier for you to join our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant - Part Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the catering and hospitality industry shine through. We want to see that you genuinely enjoy providing great service and creating memorable experiences for guests.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience in hospitality or customer service. Mention specific roles or tasks you've done that relate to what we’re looking for, like preparing food or serving customers.
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 see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like preparing and serving afternoon teas, maintaining cleanliness, and providing excellent customer service. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Off Your Experience
If you've worked in hospitality or customer service before, be ready to share specific examples of your experience. Talk about how you’ve handled busy shifts, worked as part of a team, or provided exceptional service. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with others, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share stories about how you’ve supported colleagues in previous jobs or contributed to a positive team atmosphere. This will resonate well with the interviewers who value a collaborative culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical shift looks like. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
