At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fresh, vibrant Grab & Go food that looks and tastes amazing.
- Company: Award-winning independent caterer with a focus on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Monday to Friday hours, free meals, birthday off, and career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy exclusive masterclasses and fun team socials.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make delicious food that people love.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and a passion for fresh, appealing dishes.
GRAB & GO CHEF
Houston & Hawkes | Newbury | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
A brilliant opportunity for a creative, organised Chef to take ownership of a fresh and vibrant Grab & Go food offer within a premium workplace environment.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Grab & Go Chef who understands that great food on the move should never mean compromising on quality. From beautifully made sandwiches and wraps to fresh salads, bowls, snacks and seasonal specials, you will help create a food offer that looks fantastic, tastes exceptional and keeps customers coming back.
This is a hands-on role for someone who loves fresh food, works with precision and takes real pride in presentation. You will be organised, confident with high-volume preparation and full of ideas for keeping the offer exciting, relevant and beautifully presented.
THE ROLE
- Prepare a fresh, high-quality daily Grab & Go food offer
- Create sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls and other freshly prepared items
- Produce seasonal specials and contribute new ideas to keep the offer fresh and exciting
- Take pride in presentation, ensuring every product looks as good as it tastes
- Plan and organise daily preparation to ensure excellent availability throughout service
- Work efficiently while maintaining consistency, quality and attention to detail
- Monitor stock, ordering, portion control and wastage
- Work closely with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless food offer
- Maintain excellent allergen awareness, food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards
- Bring energy, creativity and a genuine passion for fresh food to the role
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Previous chef experience within Grab & Go, deli, café, food-to-go, workplace dining or a quality fresh-food environment
- Strong preparation skills and confidence producing fresh food in volume
- A genuine passion for sandwiches, salads, wraps and modern food-to-go
- Excellent organisation and the ability to plan ahead
- A creative eye for presentation and an understanding of what makes a Grab & Go display appealing
- Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens and kitchen hygiene
- A positive, reliable and hands-on approach
- The ability to work confidently both independently and as part of a wider team
- High personal standards and pride in every item you produce
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 40 hours per week
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé
- Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to discover new food, flavours and culinary ideas
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating fresh, vibrant and memorable food experiences across some of the UK's most impressive workplaces.
We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality. We believe talented people should have the freedom to bring ideas to the table, develop their skills and take genuine pride in the food they create.
If you're a chef who loves fresh food, great presentation and creating a Grab & Go offer people genuinely look forward to, we'd love to hear from you.
Deli Chef in Newbury 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 Deli Chef in Newbury
✨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 Deli Chef in Newbury
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!
