At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while promoting healthy eating in a supportive team.
- Company: Bendrigg Trust, a caring organisation providing adventure breaks for all abilities.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, free meals on shift, training opportunities, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a welcoming environment with great career development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives through food.
- Qualifications: A love for food, teamwork skills, and a positive attitude towards customer care.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Bendrigg provides residential activity breaks for people of any age or ability at our centre in Old Hutton, Cumbria. With 4000 visitors a year, we make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives.
The Catering Department is key to ensuring all visitors feel welcomed and looked after. The Catering Team serve three meals a day providing a range of homemade and fresh food, with ingredients sourced from local businesses.
We are seeking a positive and caring person to join us, working with our three cooks and Head Cook.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing and serving food, to a high standard, with an understanding of portion control.
- Pro-actively work with the Head Cook, as part of the Catering team to promote healthy eating.
- Work towards the Trust's environmental objectives.
- Comply with all health and safety.
- Cleaning the kitchen and assisting with stock control.
What we are looking for:
- You’ll need to be a co-operative and supportive member of the team who can contribute to a positive working environment.
- Have a passion for food.
- Be reliable and have good timekeeping.
- Have an excellent approach to customer care and be happy working in an open kitchen, interacting with Bendrigg’s guests and visitors.
- Be able to undertake your role unsupervised, be organised and communicate well.
- Able to solve problems and show proactive behaviour.
This is a permanent, full-time (0.8FTE considered) position, averaging 5 days per week on a 7-day rota. Typical shifts are: 07:00 – 15:15 (early shift), 11:00 – 19:15 (late shift), 08:45 – 17:00 (Day shift).
We understand that everyone is different and try to be as flexible as possible. We are proud to offer a caring and supportive working environment with a number of benefits including:
- Holidays: Staff receive 30 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (FTE, part-time pro-rata). (Up to 7 days + 3 Bank holidays required to be taken during the Christmas/New Year shut down period - FTE).
- Meals: Meals and refreshments are provided when on-shift for anyone working on-site from our amazing catering team.
- Training: Personal and professional development is actively encouraged and rewarded. Staff are provided with opportunities for external training as well as a number of internal training sessions throughout the year.
- Pension: All employees can take advantage of our pension arrangements whereby contributions of 5% from the employee are matched by 5% from Bendrigg Trust.
- Health and Wellbeing cash plan.
- Sick pay: Company sick pay (inclusive of SSP) starting at one week full pay in the first six months rising to six months full pay after five years of employment.
- Maternity & Paternity Pay: Statutory Maternity & Paternity Pay.
- Parental leave: We understand that you may need time to settle children into a new school, or you may want to spend more time with a child. Bendrigg offers 18 weeks unpaid leave for each child up to their 18th birthday (maximum of 4 weeks per year).
- Emergency Dependant & Compassionate leave: Up to 5 paid days per year.
We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or criminal records.
We also welcome informal enquiries so please do contact our office if you have any questions.
Cook - Cumbria in Kendal employer: Institute for Outdoor Learning
Bendrigg Trust is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Old Hutton, Cumbria, dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and a caring culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Join us in making adventure accessible for all while enjoying the benefits of working with a passionate catering team committed to quality and sustainability.
Contact Details:
Institute for Outdoor Learning Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Cumbria in Kendal
✨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 Institute for Outdoor Learning. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Institute for Outdoor Learning
Don't be shy about reaching out to Institute for Outdoor Learning 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 Cook - Cumbria in Kendal
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 Institute for Outdoor Learning 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 Institute for Outdoor Learning
✨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!
