Café Cook
Near Maidenhead, Berkshire
£13.50 to £14.00 per hour
Flexible hours, with the opportunity to flex up to full time
Daytime shifts, typically 8am to 4pm, including weekends
Our client is an independent, family run garden centre set within a historic Berkshire estate with roots stretching back to the 1740s. Their café occupies a glasshouse overlooking an 18th century walled garden and seats seventy, serving fresh breakfasts cooked to order, seasonal lunches, homemade cakes and afternoon teas to a well established and loyal local following.
An exciting time to join
The business is entering a significant period of growth, with plans to double the capacity of the café. This will mean a larger kitchen, additional covers, and the opportunity to establish new ways of working from the outset rather than adapting existing ones.
This is a newly created role, and the successful candidate will have a genuine say in how the kitchen operates: layout, menu development, preparation routines and the running of service. Our client believes the people preparing the food are best placed to advise on how the kitchen should work, and wants that input while there is still the opportunity to act on it.
The role and the environment
This is a busy kitchen and all food is cooked to order, so the role suits someone comfortable working at pace, particularly at weekends and through the summer season. In return, the working pattern is designed to support a healthy balance:
- Daytime shifts. No split shifts and no late finishes. There may be the occasional evening event, though these are always planned well in advance.
- Rotas published in advance. Giving certainty to plan commitments outside work.
- A supportive team. A settled team with long standing customer relationships.
Key responsibilities
- Preparing and cooking breakfasts, seasonal lunches, daily specials, cakes and pastries to a consistently high standard
- Running your section confidently throughout service and covering the pass when required
- Preparing thoroughly ahead of service and completing a clean and orderly close down
- Maintaining food safety, allergen and hygiene standards at all times
- Communicating effectively with front of house to ensure service runs smoothly
- Contributing ideas on menu development, preparation and kitchen operations
What we are looking for
- Experience as a cook or chef in a high volume café, restaurant or similar kitchen
- Confidence running a section under pressure while maintaining quality and consistency
- Strong organisational skills and a calm, methodical approach during busy service
- A clear communicator and a genuine team player
- Level 2 Food Hygiene certification, or a willingness to obtain it
- Bakery or pastry experience would be an advantage, though it is not essential
- A real interest in fresh, seasonal and locally sourced produce
Additional information
- On site parking is available
- Own transport is necessary, as the site is not served by regular public transport
- Right to work in the UK is required
- Weekend availability is required on a rota basis
Pay: £13.50-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
