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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.
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 of Cook:
- 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 whilst achieving budgetary requirements taking into consideration allergens and special dietary advice.
- Familiarise self with ordering systems and suppliers to ensure stock levels are sufficient to deal with demand whilst managing and monitoring stock controls for the catering operation.
- Ensure effective communication with all members of the team; facilitating smooth and thorough handovers between shifts.
- Comply with Hostelling Scotland’s Policies and Procedures whether communicated verbally in writing or by electronic means.
- Maintaining the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the main catering kitchen, back of the house in accordance with the hostel’s HACCP house rules, and cleaning schedules.
- Ensure that all processes are undertaken in a manner that ensures compliance with Cooksafe procedures as well as Hostelling Scotland house rules.
- Working with the Group, Hostel Managers and catering team, 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 whilst keeping abreast with and adopting the most updated food safety and food hygiene best practice.
- With the guidance of the Hostel Manager ensure that guest feedback and complaints from all sources are handled and resolved in a timely and professional manner and in conjunction with other members of the management team.
- Previous experience of catering for large groups, pastry chef experience, working in busy contract catering environment.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and COSHH regulations and a relevant catering qualification including Elementary Food Hygiene certificate, SVQ/NVQ in catering, food production.
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure whilst remaining calm.
- Vast knowledge of food styles.
- Excellent time management skill.
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 - Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel employer: Hostelling Scotland
Contact Detail:
Hostelling Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
✨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 you might serve at the hostel. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you great talking points during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork! Highlight your experience working in busy kitchens and how you communicate effectively with your team. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can keep things running smoothly, especially during peak times.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our friendly team at the Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
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 inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that adventurous spirit we value at Hostelling Scotland.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills match the role of Cook. Mention your experience with large groups and any relevant qualifications. This helps us see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
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 understand your background and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out more about our values and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hostelling Scotland
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge, especially regarding food hygiene, HACCP, and allergen management. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high-quality meals while adhering to budgetary constraints.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you catered for large groups or managed a busy kitchen environment. Highlight any pastry chef experience or unique food styles you excel in to stand out.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, think of ways you've successfully communicated with colleagues in previous jobs. Be prepared to discuss how you handle handovers and ensure smooth operations during shifts.
✨Embrace the Adventure
Demonstrate your passion for Scotland and the outdoors. Share any personal experiences that connect you to the role and the mission of Hostelling Scotland, showing that you're not just looking for a job but a chance to make a difference.