At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep the kitchen clean and support chefs in a vibrant, multicultural environment.
- Company: Jikoni, a purpose-led restaurant celebrating diverse culinary traditions.
- Benefits: Career growth, unique training, team meals, discounts, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a growing company with exciting future expansions.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape a new restaurant experience.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and a desire to learn in a collaborative kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Founded in 2016 in Marylebone, Jikoni is a purpose‑led restaurant and community‑focused business founded on the belief that the purpose of a restaurant is to restore. We create warmth, generosity, and kindness through hospitality that transforms how people feel, drawing on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of the maternal kitchen. Our approach, “Cooking Without Borders,” celebrates diversity by sharing flavours, stories, and techniques from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East, and East Africa, bringing the nourishing, selfless essence of home‑cooked meals to every guest.
Since our founding, Jikoni has grown steadily and has now opened a new all‑day café and restaurant project with the new V&A East Museum in Stratford's Olympic Park. We are poised to expand to another vibrant new restaurant in Bloomsbury late 2026. These expansions will serve as the foundation for the Jikoni Group.
What we're looking for
We’re seeking talented and passionate Kitchen Porters to join our team. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and BOH team, playing an important part as a foundational member of our new kitchen team (opening April 2026). This is a hands‑on role where you’ll support the development of a new restaurant, continue to learn and grow in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to a growing team by exemplifying our company values: Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
Emotional Skillset: You embody the qualities that define great hospitality: Kindness, Optimism, Self‑Awareness, Curiosity, Integrity, and Empathy.
Values Alignment: You share our family values of Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
Leadership & Ambition: A desire and drive to build and shape new channels of the business, contribute to a positive and supportive culture and build a career with us.
Culinary Curiosity: A deep curiosity for our style of maternal cooking and immigrant cuisine and global flavours.
Key responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen, including washing dishes, utensils, cookware, and ensuring all work surfaces and storage areas meet hygiene and food safety standards.
- Support the chefs and kitchen team with basic preparation tasks, stock rotation, waste disposal, and ensuring equipment is clean, sanitised, and ready for service.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation in line with health & safety regulations.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Support the opening and development of a new kitchen, helping establish best practices and ways of working.
What we offer
- Career Progression: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and progressive company and working directly with senior management and directors to grow your leadership, business and hospitality skills while contributing to business with a positive purpose.
- Unique Training: Go beyond the kitchen with visits and hands‑on training with our biodynamic farm partner and specialist producers.
- Competitive Package and Team Benefits: Delicious and wholesome team meals, a 51% team discount at our restaurants upon passing probation, 28 days holiday, a company pension scheme and private health insurance plans for all team members.
Kitchen Porter employer: Jikoni
At Jikoni, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led restaurant that fosters a warm and inclusive work culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. As a Kitchen Porter, you'll not only play a vital role in our new kitchen but also benefit from unique training opportunities and a competitive package that includes delicious team meals and generous discounts. Join us in Stratford's vibrant Olympic Park and be part of a community that celebrates multiculturalism and the essence of home-cooked meals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter
✨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 Jikoni. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Jikoni
Don't be shy about reaching out to Jikoni 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 Kitchen Porter
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 Jikoni 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 Jikoni
✨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!
