At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes in a vibrant kitchen and manage your section like a pro.
- Company: Join the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, a unique wild animal park and dining destination.
- Benefits: Earn up to £13.50 per hour plus service charge, with great perks and discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible full-time or part-time roles with opportunities for growth and adventure.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making memorable dining experiences in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong teamwork skills are essential.
Closing date: 11 June 2026
Salary: Up to £13.50 Per Hour DOE, Plus Service Charge & Desirable Benefits
Seasonal & Permanent, Part-Time & Flexible Hour Positions Available
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, we are looking to expand our team of Chefs within our beautiful, historic hotel & Garden Room Restaurant, Bear Lodge Restaurant & Babydolls Wood‑Fi red Pizza Restaurant.
Our seasonal changing menu includes fresh and robust flavours, championing local ingredients and produce from local suppliers, and our kitchen garden. Whether our guests are in the mood for classic family favourites, authentic Italian cuisine or something a little more fancy for a special evening, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers dining choices for all occasions in the heart of the Kent countryside.
As a Restaurant Chef Will Be Responsible For
- Ensuring your section is set and that you are following set recipes and specifications on dishes and functions.
- Ensuring all ordering for your section is completed at end of service and mise en place is written for following day.
- Ensure the kitchen is cleaned and closed down at end of service, ensuring your section fridge is tidy and organised and also ensuring fridges are labelled correctly.
- Managing stock and rotation.
- Assist the kitchen with prep, cooking, and cleaning tasks, along with the upkeep of the kitchen.
- Previous experience of working within a fast‑paced kitchen will be essential and you will need to be confident working on your own and able to give clear instructions to supporting staff.
Contract Details
Various positions available, including full‑time and part‑time positions. Working hours are up to 45 hours per week depending on occupancy, with job share considered. Permanent and seasonal positions available. Seasonal positions are through to 6 November 2026, with a possibility of extension dependant on the business needs.
The location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world‑renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once‑in‑a‑lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Benefits
- Service Charge (TRONC) in addition to salary.
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro‑rata to start date and working hours, rising with length of service.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e‑learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24‑hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Company Pension.
- And many more length or service‑related rewards and benefits.
Restaurant Chefs in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique work environment surrounded by stunning wildlife and the beauty of the Kent countryside. Our supportive team culture fosters personal and professional growth, with comprehensive training opportunities and a range of desirable benefits, including service charge, generous leave, and discounts across our parks. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation where your contributions directly support conservation efforts and create memorable experiences for our guests.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Chefs in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant scene in your area! Visit local eateries, chat with chefs, and understand what they’re looking for. This insider knowledge can give you a leg up when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet industry professionals. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a social media page showcasing your culinary creations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just send your CV; apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Port Lympne.
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Chefs in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what inspires you in the kitchen. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for using local ingredients.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role of a Restaurant Chef. Highlight your previous kitchen experience and any specific cuisines you excel in, especially if they align with our seasonal menu.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your culinary journey, your approach to teamwork, and how you embody our core values. Keep it engaging and personal to make a lasting impression.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with local ingredients and seasonal produce. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into the menu at Port Lympne. Show your passion for fresh flavours and how you can elevate classic dishes.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles in fast-paced kitchens. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed your section, followed recipes, and worked independently. This will demonstrate your confidence and ability to handle the responsibilities of a Restaurant Chef.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others in the kitchen, given clear instructions, or assisted with prep and cleaning tasks. This aligns with the 'One Team' value that Port Lympne cherishes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the restaurant's approach to sustainability and local sourcing. This shows your genuine interest in their mission and values, and it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation during the interview.
