At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in serving delightful afternoon teas and ensure a memorable guest experience.
- Company: Join the National Railway Museum's unique hospitality team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and access to exclusive perks.
- Other info: Flexible weekend shifts with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a stunning 1950s carriage setting.
- Qualifications: Previous hospitality experience and a passion for customer service.
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: 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 Service Assistant — Part-Time Weekend Shifts employer: Compass Group UK
At Restaurant Associates, we pride ourselves on creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your creativity is celebrated and your contributions matter. Working as an Afternoon Tea Service Assistant at the National Railway Museum in York not only offers you the chance to be part of a unique hospitality experience but also provides access to excellent employee benefits, including free meals, training opportunities, and discounts. Join us in delivering exceptional service in a stunning setting while enjoying a supportive culture that encourages personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Afternoon Tea Service Assistant — Part-Time Weekend Shifts
✨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.
✨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 service, so don’t be shy about sharing your passion for hospitality.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! If you have experience in food preparation or customer service, think of examples you can share that highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Practical scenarios can really make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the amazing perks we offer, like free staff meals and training opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Afternoon Tea Service Assistant — Part-Time Weekend Shifts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When you're writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share any experiences you've had in customer service or catering that highlight your enthusiasm and dedication to providing great service.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Afternoon Tea Service Assistant. Mention specific skills or experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities listed in the job description, like food preparation or teamwork.
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we want to see your personality, remember to keep your tone professional. Use a friendly and approachable style that reflects the warm service we aim to provide at the Countess of York.
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 this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the afternoon tea offerings and any special items that might be served. Being able to discuss the menu confidently will show your enthusiasm for the role and impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond to ensure a great experience for guests.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since this role involves working closely with others, think of instances where you successfully collaborated with a team. Emphasise your ability to take direction and support your colleagues in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
Make sure to dress smartly for your interview. A polished appearance reflects your professionalism and respect for the hospitality industry, which is crucial for a role in such a unique setting.
