At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver exceptional service and share our rewilding story with guests.
- Company: Knepp Wilding Kitchen, a pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, flexible hours, training opportunities, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, weekend availability, and opportunities for progression.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary destination focused on sustainability and great produce.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy environments, great personality, and passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 15 £ per hour.
Job Type: Full Time, Seasonal Contract likely ending at the end of September 2026
Salary: 16-18 £8/hr; 18-20 £10/hr; 21+ £12.50/hr (Due to increase in April) Plus share of tips which can increase the above significantly.
About Us: Knepp is a 3,500 acre estate just south of Horsham, West Sussex. Since 2001, the land – once intensively farmed – has been devoted to a pioneering rewilding project. Using grazing animals as the drivers of habitat creation, and with the restoration of dynamic, natural water courses, the project has seen extraordinary increases in wildlife. As part of this project, Knepp has created a butchery, providing award winning beef, venison and pork that are byproducts of the project. The restaurant will utilise the high-quality produce coming off the project as well as our new 3 acre market garden. It is our hope that we can create an exciting and sustainable culinary destination.
About The Role: We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate Front of House staff with a passion for great service, produce and sustainability to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck into a brand new project and work alongside growers, stockman, ecologists, and chefs. The right candidate will be experienced in running a fast‑paced section, eager to learn and comfortable in sharing our rewilding story with guests.
Responsibilities:
- To work within the team to deliver the highest standard of service possible.
- To bring fun to the workplace and be part of a happy, motivated and focused team.
- To be involved in feedback of dishes.
- To give clear feedback between guests and the kitchen team.
- To ensure high customer experience and promote our ethos.
- To help achieve and sustain a minimum 4.5 star google review.
- To champion swift, efficient, knowledgeable and engaging restaurant and retail.
- To engage with the wider Estate team in the delivery of events.
Operations:
- To maintain a safe workplace.
- To ensure the Wilding Kitchen environment is well maintained and meets internal Brand standards.
- To run your own section.
- To ensure tables turn on time.
- To give relevant information about produce and dishes to the guests.
- To help in the cleaning after service to ensure the site operates to 5* EHO compliance.
- To make the kitchen team aware of any allergy and dietary requirements.
About You:
Job Requirements:
- Ensure all customer service standards are met.
- Great personality and passion for giving our customers excellent service.
- Team player.
- Experience working in a busy environment.
- Waiting experience (for our restaurant).
- Ability to use ordering systems and till software.
- Barista skills preferred but training will be given to the right candidate.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work within different sections of FOH in our busy café environment.
Essential skills:
- Enthusiastic about sustainability.
Estimated Weekly Hours: To suit the staff member. We can accommodate full time and part time members of staff. Applicants may prefer regular days and hours or zero hours contracts if they are at university and just wish to work the holidays. We are flexible and want to accommodate our team and will try to maintain a fixed rota where possible.
Shift and Schedule:
- Weekend availability (all staff must be prepared to work at least one day at the weekend as these are our busiest days).
- Day shift (we are a predominantly daytime venue only).
- Holidays (particularly suited to university students).
- Weekends only (suited to people in full time education).
- Option of contracted hours with regular days of work.
- Wine training/tastings.
- Share of tips where appropriate (In spring 2025 this was up to £3 per hr for busy shifts).
- 28 days holiday a year (full time or pro rata’d holiday for part time staff).
- Access to pension scheme.
- Culture of training, development with lots of scope for progression.
Please click APPLY to submit your CV for this role. Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visas at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK. Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.
Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Front of House in Horsham employer: Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
Contact Detail:
Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Front of House in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Knepp Wilding Kitchen vibe! Before you apply, check out their social media and website to understand their ethos and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role is all about great service, think of some examples from your past experiences where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to share these stories in your interview to showcase your passion for service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm for sustainability! Knepp is all about rewilding and sustainable practices, so be prepared to discuss why this matters to you and how you can contribute to their mission. It’ll definitely set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Knepp team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Knepp Wilding Kitchen – Front of House in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainability and great service shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being part of our rewilding project and the culinary experience we’re creating.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fast-paced environments and customer service. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your waiting experience or any barista skills you have!
Be Yourself: We’re looking for team players with great personalities, so don’t hesitate to let your unique character come through in your application. Share a bit about yourself and why you’d be a fantastic fit for our Front of House team.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for us both, please apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Knepp Wilding Kitchen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Knepp's rewilding project and the produce they offer. Being able to discuss the importance of sustainability and how it ties into the restaurant's ethos will show your passion and knowledge, making you stand out.
✨Show Your Personality
This role is all about great service and a positive attitude. Be yourself during the interview! Share your experiences in busy environments and how you’ve contributed to a fun and motivated team atmosphere.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about handling customer feedback or working under pressure. Think of examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully managed these situations, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on events. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.