Job Ref: UNI1502
Branch: Parker's Tavern
Location: Parker's Tavern, Cambridge
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Pay - £16.92 per hour
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 42.5
Posted date: 02/06/2026
Closing date: 04/07/2026
ABOUT US
University Arms is a 192-bedroom design-led Hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Overlooking Parker’s Piece is the Hotel’s quintessentially British Restaurant and Bar Parker’s Tavern, Library Lounge, and beautiful 272 square metre wood panelled Ballroom.
Opened in 1834 as a Coaching Inn, University Arms is Cambridge’s oldest Hotel. For 180 years, the Hotel was added to, updated, and modernised in line with the age; however, it was the reopening in 2018 after a four-year £80m full renovation that really positioned the Hotel. It is now Cambridge's 'go to’ destination, alluring visitors with the promise of a sense of modern luxury.
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING
As Events Chef, you will play a key role in planning, preparing, and delivering high-quality food for a wide range of events and functions. Working closely with the Head Chef and Events Team, you will ensure every guest receives an outstanding dining experience while maintaining excellent food safety and presentation standards.
THE DUTIES
- Prepare and deliver high-quality dishes for hotel events and banqueting functions
- Supervise junior chefs during event prep and service while maintaining high culinary standards
- Support menu planning and seasonal event offerings
- Ensure consistency, portion control, and presentation standards are maintained
- Support menu tastings and special dietary requirements for event clients
- Work collaboratively with the kitchen and events teams to ensure smooth service
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and health safety
- Assist with stock control, ordering, and minimising food waste
- Monitor food safety, allergen controls, and HACCP procedures throughout all event services
- Support and mentor junior kitchen team members where required
- Adapt efficiently to varying event sizes and service styles
- Support the restaurant kitchen team with food preparation and service during quieter event periods or when no events are scheduled
- Prepare and serve high-quality staff meals in line with hotel standards and dietary requirements
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN YOU
- Previous experience in a hotel, banqueting, or events kitchen environment
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work calmly under pressure in a busy service environment
- Passion for food quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction
- Knowledge of food safety and HACCP procedures
- Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, and peak event periods
- Relevant culinary qualifications are desirable
- Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively
THE PERKS
As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in an exceptional property, the position comes with:
- Free meals on duty
- Team Member Parties
- Room and FB discounts across the Marriott portfolio
- Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £400 for referring them!
RIGHT TO WORK
In line with the requirements of UK immigration legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documentary evidence of eligibility to work will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
PAY
£14.17 per hour plus £2.75 per hour in service charge
Why work at University Arms and Parker’s Tavern?
We are passionate about Cambridge’s heritage, and want to share that with our guests in a context that is contemporary, thoughtful and engaging. We deliver an experience of considered modern luxury, and take pride in our work. If you are enthusiastic about your city and your work in the hospitality sector you will find working at the University Arms truly rewarding.
