At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team by maintaining cleanliness and assisting with food prep.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in Central London.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, 20 days holiday, birthday off, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team creating memorable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude, teamwork skills, and a commitment to cleanliness.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a reliable and hardworking Kitchen Porter to join our team at one of our standout London locations. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a beautifully designed space alongside a professional kitchen team, supporting the smooth running of the kitchen and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. We don’t just prepare food — we create memorable experiences. If you take pride in keeping a kitchen clean, organised, and running efficiently, you’ll feel right at home here.
About the Role
As a Kitchen Porter, you’ll play an essential role in supporting the kitchen team — keeping equipment, work areas, crockery, and utensils clean and ready for service. You’ll work in a fast-paced, professional environment where cleanliness, teamwork, and high standards always come first.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the kitchen and surrounding areas
- Washing and cleaning pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, and kitchen equipment
- Ensuring all kitchen equipment is clean, sanitised, and ready for service
- Keeping work surfaces, floors, walls, and storage areas clean and organised
- Supporting chefs with basic food preparation when required
- Assisting with deliveries, stock rotation, and putting supplies away
- Managing kitchen waste and recycling in line with company procedures
- Keeping bins emptied and waste areas clean and hygienic
- Following all food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH regulations
- Supporting the wider kitchen team to ensure a smooth and efficient service
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience as a Kitchen Porter or within a professional kitchen is desirable
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Reliable, punctual, and hardworking
- Strong awareness of cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Able to work effectively as part of a team
- Good communication and organisational skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Physically fit and able to remain active throughout the working day
- Confident following instructions and working to high standards
- Ambition to develop and grow within the company
Benefits:
- Paid Monthly
- Free meals while on duty
- 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Birthday off every year – paid
- Uniform provided
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance (2x salary)
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- CODE membership – hospitality perks and discounts
- Family-friendly support
- Company events including an all-company Christmas party
- Recognition schemes and employee awards
- Ongoing training and career development
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a vibrant and growing independent caterer based in the South East. We’re proud to be an award-winning, certified B Corp, and one of the Top 30 hospitality companies to work for in the UK. We create memorable experiences through fresh, seasonal food, exceptional service, and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. From coffee bars and delis to fine dining and bespoke hospitality, we tailor every offer to our clients — and build teams who care deeply about what they do.
Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Kitchen Porter in City of Westminster
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
