At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious menus and provide excellent service in a vibrant café environment.
- Company: Join Perennial, a charity dedicated to supporting horticulturalists and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, sick pay, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Work with fresh, local produce in a beautiful garden setting while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food hygiene certificate and a passion for food preparation and presentation.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team focused on health and well-being in the catering industry.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 28800 £ per year.
About Us
Perennial is a charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. Together with our network of partners, we provide free support, information, advice, financial assistance and services for horticulturalists and their loved ones experiencing illness, disability, bereavement, family breakdown and financial difficulties. We have a real focus on improving the health and well-being outcomes of people working in horticulture and have an ambitious preventative strategy to create better futures for people working in horticulture.
York Gate is a vibrant, beautiful arts and crafts garden, café, plant nursery and shop in Adel, Leeds. Due to an expansion, we are now open all week long and are welcoming more and more visitors every day. We are now seeking a Chef / Catering Assistant to join our growing York Gate team on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, Wednesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays.
Benefits
- Salary of circa £24,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Pension: matching contributions up to 7%
- Sick Pay
- Death in Service Benefit (3 x salary)
- Family-friendly policies, including ‘buying’ extra (unpaid) leave or time off for dependants
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about food, with a Level 2 food hygiene certificate, looking to develop their career in the catering industry and work in a friendly and supportive team. Within our York Gate café, we pride ourselves on using fresh, local produce and reflecting the seasons with our menus. Overlooking our stunning new sunken Mediterranean garden, you will work in a beautiful environment which also promotes health through its delicious homemade food. If you could see yourself delivering excellent service within our café, this is the perfect time to take the next step in your culinary career and join our team!
The Role
As our Chef / Catering Assistant, you will use our fresh ingredients to develop mouth-watering menus for our customers. Alongside our friendly kitchen team, you will assist with the day-to-day operation of our café and demonstrate exceptional service. You will be aware of how to cater for those with dietary requirements, ensure that our food hygiene and health and safety standards are constantly being upheld, and eventually earn a First Aid at Work Certificate. Being friendly yet professional, you will assist visitors, undertake their financial transactions, and make sure that they have a great experience with us.
About You
- To be skilled in food preparation, cooking and presentation in a café setting
- Working knowledge of First Aid in the workplace
- Up-to-date knowledge of food hygiene and allergens
- Familiarity with the requirements of the Food Standards Agency
- A willingness to undertake further food safety training
- At a minimum, a Level 2 food hygiene certificate
The closing date for this role is 31st January 2026.
Webrecruit and Perennial are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be. So, if you think you would be a good fit as our Chef / Catering Assistant, please apply via the button shown.
Chef / Catering Assistant in Leeds employer: Perennial Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society
Contact Detail:
Perennial Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef / Catering Assistant in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Perennial and their mission. Understanding their focus on horticulture and community support will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your culinary skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! Bring along examples of your previous work or even a small dish to share if appropriate. This can really set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef / Catering Assistant in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about food and how it drives you in your work. Share any experiences that highlight your love for cooking and serving delicious meals!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had in catering or food preparation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary journey!
Be Personable and Professional: While we want to see your professional side, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! A friendly tone can make your application stand out, especially since we value a warm atmosphere at York Gate.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Perennial!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perennial Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the fresh, local produce that Perennial uses in their café. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate seasonal ingredients into your menus and showcase your passion for food during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Since a Level 2 food hygiene certificate is essential, be prepared to talk about your understanding of food safety standards and how you ensure compliance in a kitchen setting. Mention any specific experiences where you upheld these standards.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
As a Chef / Catering Assistant, you'll interact with visitors regularly. Share examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous roles, especially in a café or restaurant environment, to highlight your friendly yet professional approach.
✨Be Ready for Dietary Requirements
Understanding dietary needs is crucial in this role. Brush up on common allergens and dietary restrictions, and be prepared to discuss how you would cater to diverse customer needs while maintaining quality and safety.