Senior Cafe Cook (Community Cafe)

Senior Cafe Cook (Community Cafe)

Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Impact Initiatives

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the kitchen in preparing fresh, homemade meals and create a welcoming café atmosphere.
  • Company: Join Impact Initiatives at The Hop 50+, a vibrant community hub in Hove.
  • Benefits: Flexible working environment with support for personal growth and development.
  • Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and are committed to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting with and supporting older people in your community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a busy café or hospitality setting and strong customer service skills.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

We're looking for an experienced and friendly Senior Café Cook to join the team at The Hop 50+ , our vibrant community café and activity centre in the heart of Hove. You'll take the lead in planning and preparing fresh, homemade lunches, snacks and cakes while helping create a warm, welcoming environment for older people. As well as cooking, you'll enjoy working with customers, supporting café staff and volunteers, and contributing to the day-to-day running and ongoing development of our popular community café. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those from communities currently underrepresented in our workforce. You will: Plan, prepare and serve fresh lunches, snacks and cakes for customers Support and supervise café staff and volunteers to deliver an excellent customer experience Manage food ordering, stock control and daily cash handling Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and cleanliness Help develop the café through new ideas, seasonal menus and special events We're looking for someone who can demonstrate: Experience preparing and cooking fresh meals in a busy café, catering or hospitality environment Excellent customer service skills and the ability to build positive relationships with customers, colleagues and volunteers Confidence supervising or supporting staff and volunteers as part of a small team Strong organisational skills, including menu planning, stock control and maintaining food safety standards A commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for older people and people living with dementia A Level 2 Food Safety in Catering qualification is desirable, or a willingness to achieve this within an agreed timeframe. We're a flexible, supportive employer and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would help you succeed in the role. Why join us? Impact Initiatives is a Brighton-based charity supporting people of all ages across Sussex to live healthy, fulfilling lives. The Hop 50+ is much more than a café. It's a welcoming community hub where people aged 50+ can enjoy freshly prepared food alongside activities, friendships and specialist support, including dementia-friendly sessions. You'll play an important part in creating an environment where people feel connected, valued and supported. Interested in finding out more? This post is subject to a Basic DBS check . Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent someone from working with us, and any disclosures will be considered in relation to the duties of the role. Closing date: Monday 3 August 2026 (9.00 am) For further details and to apply, please visit the jobs page on our website

Senior Cafe Cook (Community Cafe) employer: Impact Initiatives

At The Hop 50+, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to fostering a warm community atmosphere in Hove. As a Senior Café Cook, you'll not only have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills but also play a vital role in enhancing the lives of older people through meaningful interactions and activities. We offer flexible working arrangements, a commitment to employee growth, and the chance to contribute to a vibrant community hub that values every individual.

Impact Initiatives

Contact Details:

Impact Initiatives Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Cafe Cook (Community Cafe)

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 Impact Initiatives. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Impact Initiatives

Don't be shy about reaching out to Impact Initiatives 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!

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 Impact Initiatives 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 Impact Initiatives

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!