At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team in creating exceptional culinary experiences for guests.
- Company: Join Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned group known for unique luxury stays.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and receive meals on shift.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming culture that celebrates diversity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in guests' experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience or catering qualification preferred; passion for food is essential.
Come and join our team. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Casual Commis at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, part of Hand Picked Hotels. Tucked away in the scenic Kent countryside, yet just moments from London, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa offers a workplace where heritage and genuine hospitality come together. Joining our team means being part of a venue known for delivering exceptional conferences, executive retreats, and unforgettable occasions.
As a member of our team, you’ll help create unforgettable moments for guests as they explore our tranquil grounds, celebrate special events, and enjoy our personalised service, with an emphasis on service, excellence & consistency. If you’re passionate about hospitality, thrive in a supportive environment, and enjoy making a real difference to someone’s stay, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa offers an inspiring place to grow your career.
What will the role involve?
The role of a Commis Chef is to support the kitchen team in delivering an exceptional culinary experience for guests. Working closely with the senior chefs, the Commis Chef will assist with the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes to a consistently high standard, while developing their skills and knowledge in a professional kitchen environment. As a Commis Chef, your role will focus on assisting with food preparation, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety, and ensuring mise en place is completed efficiently for service.
Responsibilities will include:
- Supporting senior chefs across different kitchen sections
- Helping with stock rotation and storage
- Assisting with menu preparation across the hotel
- Contributing to a smooth and well-organised kitchen operation
This is a casual contract, where hours may vary depending on business. Flexible working hours can be accommodated where possible.
What’s in it for you?
- A competitive hourly rate of £13 with incremental pay reviews based on recognition of commitment and performance, plus a share of service charge.
- A welcoming, inclusive culture where long-term friendships and diversity are celebrated.
- Uniform and meals on shift provided.
- Free onsite parking (where applicable).
- Regular team gatherings and appreciation events.
Are you Hand Picked?
We are looking for active and enthusiastic candidates that have a willing attitude and a welcoming and friendly nature. We work as a team to ensure our hotel operates smoothly and our guests are receiving a high-quality, personalised, and magical experience that they remember, recommend and return to time and time again.
You will ideally have some previous experience in a professional kitchen, or a relevant catering qualification, along with a strong desire to learn and develop your culinary skills. You will bring a positive attitude, good organisational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for food and hospitality. We want people that are passionate, showing the ability to go above and beyond naturally, that take pride in delivering consistently high standards and pay attention to all the details, with a focus on service, excellence and consistency as the everyday.
Who we are…
Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and today still remains a family‑owned group which has 21 unique luxury country houses and coastal retreats, each hand picked for their individuality. Architecturally distinctive and quintessentially British, every hotel boasts an extraordinary location from Scotland to the Channel Islands, offering breathtaking views from vast countryside to expansive beaches, to lush woodlands. Dedicated to creating unique and enchanting stays, curated personalised service runs through the heart of every hotel.
Whilst each hotel is individual, each property fulfils the company values of family, individuality, community and care, with a team commitment to aiming higher and delighting their guests with magical experiences that offer a true escape from the everyday. Hand Picked Hotels are committed to protecting the environment for a sustainable future, and all of our hotels have received the ‘Green Tourism’ accreditation, a recognition of our progress in reducing energy use and waste, supporting biodiversity, and sourcing responsibly from local and ethical partners.
Hand Picked Hotels is an Equal Opportunities employer. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Casual Commis employer: Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Hand Picked Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead spa operations across stunning luxury hotels in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training programmes and a supportive work culture that values individuality and community, you will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a focus on well-being, all while being part of a family-owned group dedicated to delivering magical experiences for guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Commis
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hand Picked Hotels Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hand Picked Hotels Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Commis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hand Picked Hotels Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hand Picked Hotels Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
