At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals from fresh, local produce in a friendly kitchen environment.
- Company: Join the welcoming team at Holland House Retreat & Conference Centre.
- Benefits: Earn £13-£14 per hour, enjoy 5 weeks holiday, and access training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with potential for extra hours during busy periods.
- Why this job: Make an impact with your cooking skills while working in a vibrant community setting.
- Qualifications: Previous cooking experience preferred; food hygiene training available for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Job Type: Part-time/Permanent
Expected Hours: 6 hours per week minimum (one shift with the possibility of more)
Pay: £13-£14 per hour depending on experience
This is a great opportunity for a confident cook who enjoys creating delicious meals with fresh, local and sustainable produce from scratch. We are looking for someone to join our small friendly team at Holland House Retreat & Conference Centre in Cropthorne, Worcestershire.
Holland House provides high quality home-style cooking, which reflects our commitment to being ‘In Harmony with Creation’. Food is served 7 days per week. There is a cooked breakfast each day, a two-course lunch and two-course dinner. These are mainly for residential guests; we also offer lunches and dinners for those visiting for the day or for bed and breakfast, and for the surrounding community. We also offer our celebrated afternoon teas.
We offer a fixed menu at mealtimes but do cater for specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and other special diets provided for people with medical conditions. These are planned in advance by the team.
The successful applicant would be required to work 1-2 shifts per week, which will include evening and weekend work, although not every Sunday. Rotas are produced three weeks in advance. You will create and deliver delicious food at set times. Additional shifts may be required to cover holidays, illness and busy periods.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a commercial setting and will need to be able to work under pressure, either alone or as part of a wider team, in a busy kitchen environment, preparing food, whilst keeping the environment safe and clean. You will also be responsible for other workers in the Kitchen and be part of a wider team of Fire Wardens responsible for the House while on duty.
The successful candidate will ideally hold a Food Hygiene and Allergen Qualification. However, for candidates who do not currently possess these qualifications, there is the opportunity to obtain them through in-house training.
Shifts are usually 7.30am - 1.30pm or 1.30pm - 7.30pm, and rotas are planned 3 weeks in advance. Rate of pay will be dependent on experience and qualifications, but within the advertised range.
The position includes 5 weeks pro-rata holiday per year (one week must be taken at Christmas as we shut down) plus pro-rata public holidays. We also offer a non-contributory pension scheme if eligible after successful completion of probationary period.
Visit our website www.hollandhouse.org and social media pages for examples of the food we offer and our unique and exciting work. Applications can be sent via e-mail directly to frontofhouse@hollandhouse.org.
Experienced Cook in Lewes employer: Holland House CIO
Holland House Retreat & Conference Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and supportive work environment where creativity in cooking is celebrated. Located in the picturesque Cropthorne, Worcestershire, we pride ourselves on using fresh, local, and sustainable produce, providing our team with opportunities for personal and professional growth through in-house training and a commitment to staff well-being, including generous holiday allowances and a non-contributory pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Cook in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, check out Holland House's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their menu and values so you can show you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about the interview, do a mock one with a friend. Focus on how you can contribute to the team and share examples of your cooking experience under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! If possible, offer to prepare a dish or two during your interview. This will give you a chance to demonstrate your cooking style and creativity right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Cook in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your cooking experience and any special dishes you love to create. We want to see your passion for food and how you can bring that to our kitchen!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Experienced Cook role. Mention your experience with fresh, local produce and any dietary needs you've catered for.
Keep It Clean and Professional:Just like in the kitchen, presentation matters! Make sure your application is well-organised and free from typos. A clean, professional look will show us that you take pride in your work, both on paper and in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can check out more about our values and what we’re all about while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holland House CIO
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, local, and sustainable produce that Holland House uses. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you incorporate them into your cooking. This shows your passion for quality food and aligns with their commitment to being ‘In Harmony with Creation’.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles in a commercial kitchen. Highlight specific examples where you worked under pressure, managed a team, or catered to special dietary requirements. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment and your understanding of diverse culinary needs.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be part of a small friendly team, it's crucial to convey your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively with others in the kitchen. Mention any leadership roles you've had, especially if you've been responsible for training or overseeing other workers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the menu planning process, how they handle dietary restrictions, or what a typical shift looks like. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
