At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing and serving delightful afternoon teas while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join a leading hospitality provider with a focus on quality dining and unique venues.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, enjoy free meals, and access exclusive company perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, collaborative culture, and opportunities for personal growth await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a memorable dining experience in a stunning 1950s carriage at the National Railway Museum.
- Qualifications: Previous hospitality experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Contract: Part-Time, Permanent, 24 hours per week + paid overtime
Shifts: Shifts are varied, weekend work is required
What We Offer:
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- 20 days annual leave excluding bank holidays (based on full time hours)
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Works discounts and promotions
- Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
- On-site F&B discounts.
- No shortage of delicious food.
Location: National Railway Museum, York
About The Role:
We’re seeking an enthusiastic Catering Assistant to take on a key role aboard the Countess of York, one of the National Railway Museum’s most unique hospitality experiences. Housed within a beautifully restored 1950s carriage, the Countess of York is renowned for its elegant afternoon tea service, offering guests a memorable dining experience in the heart of this iconic heritage attraction. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our catering and service operations within a truly distinctive setting.
In this role, you’ll help deliver exceptional hospitality experiences aboard the Countess of York, ensuring guests receive warm, attentive service throughout their visit. From preparing and serving beautifully presented afternoon teas to supporting smooth day-to-day operations across both front-of-house and kitchen areas, you’ll play an important part in maintaining the high standards that make this venue so special. This role will be well suited to candidates with previous experience in hospitality, cafés, or customer-facing service environments, particularly those who thrive in a fast-paced setting and enjoy working as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assisting in the preparation and serving of afternoon tea items, ensuring quality and presentation standards are met
- Welcoming and seating guests, providing a warm and attentive service throughout their visit
- Supporting the kitchen team with basic food preparation and plate presentation
- Clearing tables efficiently and ensuring the dining area is kept clean and well-presented
- Washing dishes, cutlery, and glassware to maintain service readiness
- Maintaining cleanliness in all working areas, including the kitchen and service areas, in line with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards
- Restocking service areas and assisting with stock rotation
- Working collaboratively with the whole team to ensure smooth service and a memorable guest experience
- Representing Compass Group UK&I with professionalism and pride
About You:
- Previous experience in a similar hospitality or catering role
- A friendly, positive, and professional manner with a passion for customer service
- Ability to work well as part of a team and take direction from supervisors and chefs
- Flexible and adaptable to different tasks and service needs
- Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with guests
- A proactive approach to maintaining cleanliness and organisation
- Reliability, punctuality, and a can-do attitude
About Us:
Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York. Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time employer: Restaurant Associates UK
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your creativity is celebrated and your ideas matter. Working as a Catering Assistant at the National Railway Museum in York not only offers you the chance to be part of a unique hospitality experience aboard the Countess of York, but also provides access to excellent employee benefits, including training and development opportunities, free meals, and discounts. Join us to contribute to memorable dining experiences while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Familiarise yourself with the National Railway Museum and the Countess of York. This will help you connect with the team and show your enthusiasm during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think about how you would welcome guests and handle their needs. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it comes to the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! If you know anyone working at Compass Group or in similar roles, reach out for tips and insights. They might even give you a heads-up on what the hiring managers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Afternoon Tea Catering Assistant - Part Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share any previous experiences you have in catering or customer service, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity to work with us at the Countess of York.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Highlight specific skills that make you a great fit for this role. Whether it’s your ability to maintain cleanliness, your knack for food presentation, or your friendly approach to guest interactions, we want to know what you bring to the table!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed, like preparing afternoon teas or working as part of a team. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Associates UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Catering Assistant, especially in a unique setting like the Countess of York. Understand the importance of afternoon tea service and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating memorable experiences for guests.
✨Show Your Personality
This role requires a friendly and positive attitude, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past and how you enjoy working as part of a team.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food hygiene, cleanliness, and teamwork. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific situations, like dealing with a difficult guest or ensuring the dining area is well-presented during busy shifts.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company culture. Inquire about training opportunities, team dynamics, or what a typical shift looks like. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
