At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team by keeping things clean and organised while assisting with food prep.
- Company: Join the award-winning Cowdray Farm Shop Café, known for its fresh, seasonal dishes.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, and full training provided—no experience needed!
- Other info: Be part of a thriving café in one of West Sussex’s top food spots.
- Why this job: Gain valuable hospitality experience in a friendly, supportive kitchen environment.
- Qualifications: Hardworking, reliable, and eager to learn; must be available on weekends.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
Role: Weekend Kitchen Porter
Location: Cowdray Farm Shop & Café – Easebourne, West Sussex
Reports to: Head Chef
Contract type: Part-time weekend role (Saturday and Sunday, with additional hours available during busy periods)
Salary: To be discussed at interview, plus tips
About Cowdray Farm Shop Café: The award winning Cowdray Farm Shop Café is renowned for serving fresh, seasonal dishes using high quality produce from the Estate and trusted local suppliers. With a welcoming atmosphere and a strong reputation for excellent food and service, our café is a popular destination for visitors throughout the year.
The Position: We are looking for two hardworking, reliable, and enthusiastic Weekend Kitchen Porters to join our busy kitchen team. In this role, you will:
- Support the kitchen team by maintaining a clean, safe, and organised working environment
- Wash dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment efficiently throughout service
- Assist with basic food preparation as required by the chefs
- Ensure all kitchen areas, floors, and storage spaces are kept clean and hygienic
- Help with deliveries, stock rotation, and the safe storage of ingredients
- Dispose of waste responsibly and assist with recycling in line with company procedures
- Work closely with the wider kitchen team to ensure smooth service during busy weekends
Full training will be provided, and no previous kitchen experience is required—just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
The Candidate: To succeed in this role, you should:
- Be hardworking, dependable, and take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness
- Be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Have a positive attitude and enjoy working as part of a close-knit team
- Be willing to learn and support colleagues wherever needed
- Be physically capable of carrying out manual tasks, including lifting, standing for extended periods, and handling kitchen equipment safely
- Be available to work weekends
Why Work at Cowdray?
- Join a respected estate business with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and local produce
- Be part of a friendly and supportive kitchen team in a thriving café environment
- Gain valuable hospitality experience with opportunities to develop your skills
- Enjoy working in one of West Sussex’s most popular food destinations
Kitchen Porter employer: Cowdray Estate
Cowdray Estate offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking meaningful employment in a vibrant community-focused environment. As a part-time Lifestyle Shop Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, a flexible schedule, and the chance to work alongside a dedicated team that values craftsmanship and customer service. Join us in a picturesque location where your passion for homeware can flourish while contributing to our commitment to quality and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter
✨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 Cowdray Estate 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 Kitchen Porter
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 Cowdray Estate 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 Cowdray Estate.
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 Cowdray Estate get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cowdray Estate
✨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 Cowdray Estate 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.
