At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to prepare delicious meals in a fast-paced café environment.
- Company: Longacres Garden Centre, a family-run business with a friendly and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, excellent staff discounts, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive team and holiday entitlement based on hours worked.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team where no two days are the same and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fast-paced kitchen and a passion for creating great food.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a new challenge in a new environment with a friendly team at an ever-growing Garden Centre? We have an exciting opportunity for a chef to join our outstanding kitchen team and become part of our very busy, well-established café. Your role will be to work alongside our kitchen team to prepare customers’ orders to a high standard. The kitchen is our engine room and you as a Chef help keep the engine going. Our menu is nice and simple, sandwiches, paninis, hand stretched pizzas, pastas, salads, breakfast and daily made specials. If you are looking for a new challenge then come and join the team, our kitchen is fast paced where no two days are the same, we are looking for chefs from all levels and backgrounds!
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 2025. 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 high quality products while maintaining affordability.
Daytime hours - no evenings! Full-time permanent role (37.5 hours per week) Excellent staff discount across the garden centre Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday off A supportive, professional team culture Holiday entitlement dependant on the hours worked Opportunities for growth and development within the business.
Store: Shepperton Contract: Full-time Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Key Responsibilities and Duties- Prepare various ingredients such as meats and vegetables
- Complete customer orders in a timely manner
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and Cooks to prep meals
- Ensure your work station is properly cleaned and sanitised
- Rotate stock items as per established procedures
- Restock the pantry and fridge as necessary
- Properly store food items at appropriate temperatures
- Work efficiently during service while maintaining quality and speed
- Enable smooth running of the kitchen
- We are looking for organised chefs who thrive working in a team.
- Experience as a Grill Chef, Line Chef, Commis Chef looking to step up or anything in between.
- Experience in a fast‑paced kitchen
- Experience working with fresh ingredients
- Calm under pressure and good time management skills
- Reliable, hands‑on, and committed to creating great food and service
- Good communication and teamwork is a necessity
Chef in Shepperton employer: HR Duo, Ltd.
Longacres Garden Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment for chefs at all levels. With a commitment to employee growth and development, you will enjoy daytime hours with no evening shifts, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent staff discounts, all while being part of a friendly team dedicated to delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced café setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Shepperton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on social media or in person. This gives you a feel for the kitchen culture and shows you're genuinely interested in joining their friendly team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish you've created to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your culinary abilities and passion for food, plus it gives you something to talk about during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical test! Many kitchens will want to see you in action. Brush up on your knife skills and be prepared to whip up a quick dish. It’s all about showing you can keep up in that fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate chefs like you. It helps us get to know you better and makes sure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Shepperton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When writing your application, let us know why you love being a chef! Share your experiences and what excites you about working in a fast-paced kitchen. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that matches our job description. Whether you're a Grill Chef or a Commis Chef, showcase your skills in preparing fresh ingredients and working as part of a team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward applications! Stick to the point and avoid fluff. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences to make it easy for us to see what you bring to the table.
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 this exciting opportunity in our café.
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Duo, Ltd.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the café's menu. Understand the ingredients and preparation methods for each dish. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the kitchen team.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in a busy kitchen, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fresh Ingredients
Express your love for working with fresh ingredients and how it influences your cooking style. You might even want to mention any experiences you've had with sourcing local produce or creating seasonal specials, as this aligns with the café's commitment to quality.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Expect questions about how you handle pressure in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific situations where you maintained quality while working quickly. This will reassure the interviewers that you're ready to keep the kitchen's engine running smoothly.
