At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage customers and ensure a delightful experience at our Farm Shop & Cafe.
- Company: Join the largest employee-owned business in the UK, part of Waitrose & Partners.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00 per hour, with potential increases and night premium pay.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; perfect for students seeking part-time work.
- Why this job: Work in a stunning rural setting while making a real difference to customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Great customer service skills and teamwork are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Leckford Estate was purchased by John Spedan Lewis in 1928 as his private estate, converted into a limited company in 1929 and is now part of the John Lewis Partnership. In August 2001 the Leckford Estate became part of Waitrose & Partners, providing a real focus for it to produce food for the Partnership’s food stores under the Leckford brand. Located in the heart of rural Hampshire, Leckford Estate is an area of outstanding beauty and only 25 minutes from the New Forest. Join us and you’ll enjoy a remarkable and unrivalled working environment and setting.
As a Farm Shop Assistant, you'll be working at our stunning Farm Shop & Cafe located on our very own Waitrose Farm on Leckford Estate. You’ll have the important job of ensuring every customer's visit is enjoyable and it meets the high standards that the Waitrose brand is known for.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Engaging with our customers with brilliant customer service.
- Ensuring all stock is replenished and maintain shop standards for a pleasant customer experience.
- Supporting in all areas of the Farm Shop including processing transactions in a timely manner.
- Minimising food wastage by demonstrating great care and due diligence when rotating stock.
- When working in the cafe, you'll be required to comply with all food safety legislation, procedures and standards.
- On occasion, you may also be needed to support running of events for our customers.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work as a team.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Certificate.
- Experience in food preparation in a retail environment.
Closing Date: September 7, 2026
Pay: £13.00 (£13.25 After 90 days)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: Part-time work to include working Saturday 10:30-16:30 and Sunday 10:00 -17:00.
Job Level: Partnership Level 10
Where You'll Be Working: Leckford Estate, Leckford Estate Office, Leckford, Hampshire, SO20 6DA
Important points to note:
- It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates).
- We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.
- We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working.
Farm Shop Cafe Assistant employer: John Lewis
John Lewis is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every employee is considered a Partner, sharing in the success and responsibilities of the business. With a focus on innovation and personal growth, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, the role of Social Community Executive provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community while contributing to a brand that values kindness, respect, and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Shop Cafe Assistant
✨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 John Lewis 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 Farm Shop Cafe Assistant
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 John Lewis 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 John Lewis.
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 John Lewis get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨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 John Lewis 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.
