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- Tasks: Cook delicious meals for guests and manage kitchen operations in a vibrant hostel.
- Company: Join Hostelling Scotland, a non-profit charity dedicated to community and adventure.
- Benefits: Enjoy meal discounts, pension, holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and outdoor adventures.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for Scotland while sharing your passion for food with travellers.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering for large groups and knowledge of food hygiene regulations.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Job Reference: EDICO079
Position: Cook
Locations: Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel, 9 Haddington Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL
Contract: Permanent – Proposed start date: 3/JUN/2026
Hours per week: 32
Salary: £Competitive
Accommodation: This is a live-out position
Join our team, with an adventurous spirit, to help our guests discover and experience the real Scotland through hostelling with us whilst you can also enjoy exploring cities, hillwalking, climbing and many other outdoor activities and amazing surroundings in your spare time.
As a non-profit charity with people and communities at our heart, we also give people, who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, the chance of a well needed break to explore and experience Scotland or to develop their skills for life, learning and work through our youth programmes.
Working with Hostelling Scotland is more than just a job. Join our team to become an Ambassador for Scotland and make a difference! You will be part of our dedicated and friendly team at our Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.
About the role
- Cooking daily food for breakfast buffet and evening meals, catering for groups from 10 up to 120, dining room capacity up to 65 people, including café style lunch, ensuring high quality while meeting budgetary requirements, considering allergens and special dietary advice.
- Familiarise with ordering systems and suppliers to ensure stock levels are sufficient to deal with demand; manage and monitor stock controls for the catering operation.
- Ensure effective communication with all members of the team; facilitate smooth and thorough handovers between shifts. Comply with Hostelling Scotland’s Policies and Procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the main catering kitchen and back of house in accordance with the hostel’s HACCP house rules and cleaning schedules.
- Ensure all processes comply with Cooksafe procedures and Hostelling Scotland house rules.
- Work with the Group, Hostel Managers and catering team to share responsibility for all aspects of food and beverage delivery including Food Hygiene, Cooksafe protocol and providing relevant F&B/catering training to team members; keep up to date with food safety and hygiene best practice.
- With guidance from the Hostel Manager, handle guest feedback and complaints from all sources in a timely and professional manner in conjunction with the management team.
Ideal candidates
- Previous experience of catering for large groups; pastry chef experience; experience in busy contract catering.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and COSHH regulations; relevant catering qualification including Elementary Food Hygiene certificate, SVQ/NVQ in catering or food production.
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure while remaining calm.
- Vast knowledge of food styles.
- Excellent time management skills.
We can offer
- Membership of Hostelling Scotland
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension and holidays
- Meal discounts on shift
- Uniform is provided
Additional Information
A successful candidate is required to provide one satisfactory reference and a recent Basic Disclosure clearance. You must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK prior to starting with us.
Who we are
Hostelling Scotland is a not-for-profit charity with over 60 youth and affiliate hostels. Since 1931, we have welcomed millions of visitors through our doors, helping them to ‘get outside’, to explore what Scotland got to offer, discovering the beautiful locations and the natural benefits of the great outdoors.
How to apply
If you would like to join us, please visit our website www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/careers to learn about how we process job applicants’ information and apply.
Closing Date: 31st May 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Please note: We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Cook in Brighton employer: Hostelling Scotland
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hostelling Scotland. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your cooking skills can contribute to their goal of providing memorable experiences for guests.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be catering for large groups, consider preparing a few dishes that showcase your ability to handle volume while maintaining quality. Bring some samples to your interview if you can – it’s a tasty way to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Highlight your experience working in busy kitchens and how you communicate effectively with your team. Being part of a friendly and dedicated team is key at Hostelling Scotland, so let them know you’re all about collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hostelling Scotland family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the kitchen. We want to see that adventurous spirit that matches our ethos at Hostelling Scotland.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience, especially with large groups and food hygiene. We’re looking for candidates who can multitask and thrive under pressure, so give us examples of how you've done this before!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 the role. Plus, you can find all the info you need about the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you might be preparing. Research local Scottish cuisine and think about how you can incorporate that into your cooking style. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to providing guests with an authentic experience.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous catering experiences, especially with large groups. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed busy service periods or catered for special dietary needs. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the job effectively.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, and COSHH regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen setting. This is crucial for the role, and showing that you take food safety seriously will impress your interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since teamwork is key in a kitchen environment, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked with others to ensure smooth operations, especially during busy shifts. This will highlight your ability to fit into their team.