Café & Gift Shop Assistant
Location: Pots & Pithoi, The Barns, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4QA
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00am–5:00pm, Sundays 10:00am – 4:30pm
From October 1st – Monday to Friday 10:00am–5:00pm working alternate Saturdays 10:00am–5:00pm, taking the corresponding Friday off.
Job Type: Full-time contract
About Pots & Pithoi
Pots & Pithoi is a small, family-owned business based at The Barns in Turners Hill, just outside Crawley.
Established in 1985, we specialise in handmade Cretan terracotta pots, planters, water features, garden pieces and carefully selected artisan products. Our site also includes a welcoming courtyard, gift shop and café, where we aim to provide every visitor with friendly service and an enjoyable customer experience.
We are currently looking for a friendly, reliable and customer-focused Café & Gift Shop Assistant to join our team.
The Role
This is a varied, customer-facing role primarily based in our café, with additional support provided in the gift shop when required.
You will be responsible for welcoming customers, taking orders, preparing and serving hot and cold drinks and simple food, processing payments and helping to maintain a clean, hygienic and well-presented environment.
The role would suit someone who enjoys working with people, can remain calm and organised during busy periods, and is happy to work flexibly as part of a small team.
Key Responsibilities
Café Service
- Welcome customers in a friendly, polite and professional manner.
- Take customer orders accurately and process payments.
- Prepare and serve hot and cold beverages, including teas and coffees.
- Prepare and serve a selection of simple food items.
- Clear tables and ensure the seating areas remain clean and welcoming.
- Respond to customer questions and dietary enquiries appropriately.
- Help provide an efficient and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Food Hygiene and Cleaning
- Follow all food hygiene, health and safety and allergen procedures.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the café.
- Clean and sanitise work surfaces, equipment and customer areas.
- Ensure the café toilets are regularly checked, cleaned and restocked.
- Complete daily opening, closing and cleaning duties as required.
- Dispose of waste safely and appropriately.
- Report any maintenance, hygiene or safety concerns promptly.
Stock and Presentation
- Restock drinks, food, packaging and other café supplies.
- Check stock levels and notify the appropriate team member when items are running low.
- Label and date food products correctly.
- Help monitor product freshness and stock rotation.
- Ensure displays, counters and customer areas are tidy and well presented.
About You
We are looking for someone who is friendly, dependable and comfortable working in a busy customer-service environment.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
- A friendly, polite and professional manner.
- The ability to work efficiently and remain calm under pressure.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and cleanliness.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
- A flexible approach and willingness to support different areas of the business.
- Good timekeeping and reliability.
- The physical ability to remain standing for extended periods and complete routine cleaning, lifting and restocking duties.
- The legal right to work in the UK.
Previous experience in a café, coffee shop, restaurant, retail or customer-service environment would be beneficial, but it is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Travel Requirements
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be beneficial but are not essential.
However, due to our rural location, applicants without access to a vehicle should ensure they can reliably travel to and from RH10 4QA for the required working hours, including Sundays.
Why Join Us?
- Join a well-established, family-owned business.
- Work in a unique and attractive West Sussex setting.
- Enjoy a varied role across our café and gift shop.
- Receive training in our café procedures, products and customer-service standards.
- Be part of a friendly and supportive team.
- Meet and assist a wide variety of customers and visitors.
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short covering note explaining why you would be suitable for the role.
For an informal conversation or further information, please contact Pots & Pithoi on 01342 714 793 or email [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £22,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
