At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving delightful afternoon teas while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK & Ireland, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and access to training and perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal growth in a vibrant team.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique hospitality experience in a stunning 1950s carriage.
- Qualifications: Previous hospitality experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Location: National Railway Museum, York
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Contract: Part-Time, Permanent, 24 hours per week + paid overtime
Shifts: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
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
About Us:
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people.
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!
Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Compass Group UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and creativity, offering a collaborative work culture where your ideas are valued. As a part-time Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant at the National Railway Museum in York, you'll enjoy benefits such as 20 days of annual leave, free staff meals, and access to training and development opportunities, all while working in a unique and historic setting that enhances your hospitality experience.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time
✨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 Compass Group UK & Ireland 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 Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time
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 Compass Group UK & Ireland 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 Compass Group UK & Ireland.
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 Compass Group UK & Ireland get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨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 Compass Group UK & Ireland 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.