SMART London is looking for a compassionate, organised and community-minded Community Café Cook & Supervisor to help lead our welcoming Community Café & Wellbeing Hub in Chelsea, run in partnership with Open Age.
This is far more than a kitchen role. Our pay‑as‑you‑feel café is a safe and inclusive community space where people come not only for affordable, healthy food, but also for connection, dignity and support. We work alongside people who may be experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness or social exclusion, and we believe everyone deserves to feel valued and welcomed.
We are looking for someone who can create delicious, nutritious meals while also helping foster a calm, supportive and positive environment for volunteers, staff and visitors alike.
What You ll Be Doing
- Planning and preparing simple, healthy, low-cost meals and snacks
- Making creative use of surplus and donated food
- Supervising and supporting volunteers
- Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and health & safety
- Creating a warm, welcoming café environment
- Supporting people sensitively and confidently
- Managing stock, supplies and basic record keeping
- Working collaboratively with SMART and Open Age colleagues to ensure the café continues to thrive as a community hub
About You
- Experienced in preparing fresh, healthy food in a café, kitchen or community setting
- Calm, patient and approachable
- Confident supervising volunteers or staff
- Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Passionate about inclusion, wellbeing and community connection
- Organised, reliable and able to work independently
- Knowledgeable about food hygiene and kitchen health & safety standards
Experience of working alongside people with mental health needs, or within community or voluntary sector settings, would be highly valued.
Why Join SMART?
At SMART, we believe recovery is possible for everyone. We work alongside people to build confidence, reduce isolation and create opportunities for connection and wellbeing.
This role offers the chance to make a genuine difference every day using food, conversation and community as tools for inclusion and recovery.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges, and from candidates from underrepresented communities.
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Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café Cook & Supervisor. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Don't be shy about reaching out to United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
