Café Chef (32 Hours per Week)
Café Blue at Lower Morden Garden Centre
Are you a passionate chef who loves creating fresh, delicious food and being part of a friendly, customer-focused team?
Café Blue at Lower Morden Garden Centre is looking for a talented Café Chef to join our kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef who is ready to take on responsibilities similar to a Sous Chef role while working in a welcoming daytime café environment.
Reporting directly to the Head Chef, you will play a key role in maintaining our high standards of food quality, presentation, kitchen organisation, and customer satisfaction.
What We Offer
- 32 hours per week
- Daytime working hours only
- No evening shifts
- Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunity to develop your skills and take ownership within the kitchen
- Staff discounts and benefits
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Prepare, cook and present fresh, high-quality dishes to company standards
- Assist with menu development, seasonal specials and new product ideas
- Ensure food is prepared efficiently during busy service periods
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards
- Monitor food quality, consistency and presentation
- Support stock control, ordering and minimising waste
- Assist with deliveries and stock rotation procedures
- Help train, guide and support junior kitchen team members
- Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organised and fully compliant at all times
- Act as the kitchen lead in the Head Chef's absence
About You
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie, Senior Chef or Sous Chef in a café, restaurant or hospitality environment
- Passion for fresh food and excellent customer experiences
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Confident working in a fast-paced kitchen
- Good understanding of food safety and HACCP procedures
- Positive attitude with a willingness to support and motivate others
- Reliable, professional and able to work independently when required
The Ideal Candidate
You will enjoy creating fresh, homemade food, thrive in a busy daytime café setting, and take pride in delivering a warm and welcoming experience for every guest. You'll be a hands-on team player who is ready to support the Head Chef and help Café Blue continue to be a favourite destination for our customers.
If you're looking for a role that offers work-life balance, daytime hours, and the opportunity to make a real impact within a friendly team, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the Café Blue family at Lower Morden Garden Centre.
Work Location: In person
