At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
- Company: Join the team at Paignton Zoo, a leading conservation organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of paid holiday, free uniform, and discounts on food and retail.
- Other info: Flexible seasonal contract with opportunities for growth and training.
- Why this job: Make people smile while working in a fun, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Location: Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU.
Salary: National Minimum Wage
Contract: Seasonal
Length of contract: either to the end of August 2026 or the end of September 2026 (both are available).
Paignton Zoo, originally opened in 1923 as the Torbay Zoological Gardens, has evolved over the past century into one of the South West’s leading conservation organisations and most popular visitor attractions. Today it is home to more than 230 animal species.
Serve Up Smiles This Season!
Love great food, buzzing environments, and making people’s day? Step into the action as a seasonal Food & Beverage Host and help us serve up fantastic experiences alongside delicious food and drink. From crafting the perfect baguette to serving hungry visitors with a smile, you’ll be right at the heart of the action—keeping things running smoothly and creating a welcoming, feel‑good atmosphere. If you enjoy fast‑paced work, being part of a team, and making a real impact on someone’s day, this is the role for you!
The Role
- Deliver friendly, efficient service and create a warm welcome for every guest.
- Prepare and serve food and drinks to high quality and presentation standards.
- Keep displays well‑stocked, fresh, and looking great.
- Support food preparation while maintaining consistency and hygiene standards.
- Help keep all areas clean, tidy, and guest‑ready.
- Operate tills and handle payments accurately.
- Manage stock, take deliveries, and minimise waste.
- Follow food hygiene, allergen, and safety procedures at all times.
- Work flexibly across different catering areas as needed.
About You
- We’re looking for enthusiastic, customer‑focused people who bring energy and positivity to every shift.
- Experience in a customer‑facing role (hospitality, retail, or similar).
- Great communication skills and a friendly, approachable style.
- Confidence handling tills or cash (or willingness to learn!).
- Ability to stay calm and deliver great service during busy periods.
- A strong team spirit and willingness to help others.
- Attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
- A willingness to learn food safety (Level 2 Food Hygiene).
Bonus points if you have:
- Previous café, restaurant, or catering experience.
- Food preparation or kitchen experience.
- Knowledge of allergens and food safety practices.
You are:
- A true “people person” who loves making others smile.
- Energetic, adaptable, and ready to get stuck in.
- Reliable and hardworking.
- A team player who brings positive vibes.
- Calm under pressure and ready for busy service times.
- Passionate about great food and great service.
Benefits
At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata, free branded uniform, access to top‑tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor, free zoo entry for loved ones, sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site, free staff parking, and support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Equality & Inclusion
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date.
Seasonal Food & Beverage Host in Paignton employer: Wild Planet Trust
At Paignton Zoo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every team member is valued and supported. With a focus on employee growth, we provide top-tier training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata and free zoo entry for loved ones. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our visitors while enjoying a rewarding and inclusive workplace in the heart of Devon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Food & Beverage Host in Paignton
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Wild Planet Trust are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Food & Beverage Host in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Wild Planet Trust.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Wild Planet Trust. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
