At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals and create fresh dishes in a vibrant café environment.
- Company: Join Longacres Garden Centre, a family-run business with a friendly team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, holiday time off, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied challenges and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Develop your culinary skills while working in a fast-paced, exciting kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking fresh food and ability to work in a team.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Are you a talented and enthusiastic person ready to take the next step in your culinary career? Join a thriving garden centre café as a member of our talented kitchen team, serving guests fresh breakfasts, lunches, pizzas, paninis, and fresh homemade cakes to dozens of guests every day. We’re looking for a Chef to support our passionate team in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen during the weekends. Though the menu is straightforward, everything leaving the kitchen is made to the highest standard, using quality ingredients and efficient systems. No two days are the same and you will be faced with different, exciting challenges to help you develop your culinary skills. As an ever-growing company, there are many opportunities for progressing your career with us.
Please note:
- Excellent staff discount across the garden centre
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday off
- Long service benefits
- A supportive, professional team culture
Longacres Garden Centre aims to be the destination of choice for garden enthusiasts, offering exceptional service and high-quality products at competitive prices. Established in 1979 as a family-run business, Longacres has grown to include six stores across the South East of England, employing over 700 staff in 2026. As a growing company, we provide ample opportunities for personal development and learning within a supportive, inclusive, and friendly team environment! We are deeply committed to our loyal customers, delivering top-notch products and service while maintaining affordability. Guided by our core values - trust and integrity, family, teamwork, accountability, and retail excellence - we strive to continuously enhance the customer experience and foster lasting relationships.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
- Complete customer orders in a timely manner
- Keep your working space neat, tidy, and sanitised
- Make sure food items are stored at the correct temperatures
- Enable smooth running of the kitchen
- Work efficiently during service while maintaining quality and speed
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Experience in cooking with fresh food and working in a fast-paced kitchen
- Able to follow recipes and plating guidelines
- Consistent, reliable, and detail-oriented
- Organisation and able to thrive in a working team
- Experience as a Grill Chef, Line Chef, or Commis Chef looking to step up
Chef in Addlestone employer: HR Duo, Ltd.
Longacres Garden Centre is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant and supportive kitchen environment where creativity thrives. With a commitment to quality and a focus on personal development, employees benefit from excellent staff discounts, long service rewards, and the opportunity to grow within a family-run business that values teamwork and integrity. Join us in a fast-paced setting where every day presents new culinary challenges and the chance to make a meaningful impact on our guests' dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Addlestone
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at HR Duo, Ltd. and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at HR Duo, Ltd. that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at HR Duo, Ltd..
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at HR Duo, Ltd. get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Duo, Ltd.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at HR Duo, Ltd. and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
