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 venue with a passion for conservation.
- Benefits: Earn up to £13.50/hour plus service charge, with flexible hours and great perks.
- Other info: Enjoy amazing discounts, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that creates memorable dining experiences in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced kitchens and strong teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.
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-Fired 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 you 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.
Various positions available, including flexible hour 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 the 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.
Why you should join us: We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work. Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.
You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:
- 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.
To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your C.V. and covering letter to.
Restaurant Chefs in Folkestone employer: The Aspinall Foundation
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that offers a unique work environment surrounded by nature and wildlife. Our team members enjoy comprehensive training and development opportunities, flexible working hours, and a supportive culture that values teamwork and customer service excellence. With benefits like unlimited free entry to our parks, discounts on food and accommodation, and a commitment to employee well-being, joining us means becoming part of a passionate family dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests while contributing to real conservation efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Chefs in Folkestone
✨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 The Aspinall Foundation 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 Restaurant Chefs in Folkestone
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 The Aspinall Foundation 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 The Aspinall Foundation.
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 The Aspinall Foundation get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aspinall Foundation
✨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 The Aspinall Foundation 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.
