At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the kitchen team with food prep and cooking tasks while maintaining high hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, in a vibrant pub environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, tips, discounts, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a 300-year tradition while shaping the future of hospitality.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a supportive team with a passion for great food.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Employment type: Part Time; Contract: Permanent; Salary: To be discussed per hour
At Shepherd Neame, we know that great food is at the heart of a memorable experience. As a Commis Chef, you’ll play a key role in supporting our kitchen team, learning new skills, and helping to deliver dishes that keep guests coming back. This is the perfect opportunity to start or grow your career in hospitality. No experience? No problem! If you have the right attitude and passion for food, we’ll provide all the training and support you need.
Where You’ll Be Working
The Old Mill in Kennington, Ashford is a cosy country pub located on Canterbury Road, overlooking Dukes Spring, a tributary of the Great Stour River. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Old Mill is a Grade II listed building, taking its name from the nearby Kennington Mill, little of which now remains, having previously been known as the Golden Ball.
What You’ll Do
- Assist the kitchen team with food preparation and cooking tasks.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all kitchen areas.
- Follow recipes and instructions to ensure consistency and quality.
- Keep workstations organised and stocked during service.
- Work as part of a team to ensure smooth service during busy periods.
What’s In It For You?
- Competitive hourly pay plus a share of tips
- Early wage withdrawal scheme
- 25% discount on food and drink at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
- 25% discount on overnight stays at Managed House Hotels
- Up to 40% off select purchases from our Visitor Centre Shop in Faversham
- Exclusive discounts via Sheps Hut on hundreds of high street brands
- Access to a Workplace Mental Health Platform
- Company pension plan
- Career development opportunities across our pubs, Brewery, and Support Office
- Flexible working hours to suit your lifestyle
What You’ll Need
We’re looking for behaviours that make a great Commis Chef:
- Pride in your work – you care about doing things properly and keeping standards high.
- Positive energy – you bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
- Attention to detail – you take care with presentation and quality.
- Adaptability – you stay calm and proactive when things get busy.
- Team spirit – you enjoy working with others and supporting your colleagues.
Why Shepherd Neame?
Our culture is built on Sheps Spirit, Working Together, Pride and Passion, and Authenticity—values that have guided us for over 300 years. When you join us, you become part of a team that celebrates tradition while shaping the future. Ready to bring your personality and passion to the kitchen? Apply today and become part of our story!
Commis Chef in Ashford employer: Shepherd Neame
At Shepherd Neame, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion and dedication in the culinary arts. Working at the Old Mill in Kennington offers a unique opportunity to be part of a historic establishment while enjoying competitive pay, flexible hours, and extensive career development opportunities. Our supportive work culture fosters teamwork and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring chefs to thrive and create memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in Ashford
✨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 Shepherd Neame 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 Commis Chef in Ashford
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 Shepherd Neame 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 Shepherd Neame.
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 Shepherd Neame get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd Neame
✨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 Shepherd Neame 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.
