Join us at River Cottage!
At River Cottage, we believe that good food has the power to change lives. Following the ethos of our founder Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, we've inspired people to grow, source and cook food in ways that are better for themselves, their communities and the planet.
Set amongst the rolling hills of the Axe Valley, River Cottage HQ is home to our renowned cookery school, working farm, dining experiences and events. At the heart of it all is the River Cottage Kitchen - a vibrant, welcoming restaurant where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes made with ingredients grown on our farm and sourced from exceptional local producers.
The Role
We’re looking for someone to assist with the day to day running of all our kitchen service at River Cottage (including the River Cottage Kitchen, dining events and in our cookery school, if applicable), ensuring all aspects of your work follow the values and ethos of River Cottage and are delivered to the highest possible standards.
A River Cottage Chef role is like no other. You will be working with a daily-changing menu that is influenced by the seasons using the very best local, responsibly sourced, seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes, which reflect our passion and commitment to food provenance.
You will have a passion for working with fresh ingredients and a desire to develop your culinary skills. You will be working with the best ingredients the South West has to offer, as nearly all our menu is created fresh. You will work closely with our suppliers and will have creative freedom, with the guidance of our Head Chef Emese Patko.
We’re looking for someone to work an average of 40 hours per week, over 4 or 5 days (including weekends). You will be working primarily daytime hours between 7am and 5pm, with a minimum of one evening shift required per week.
KEY TASKS
● Deliver kitchen service, in-house dining, weddings and bespoke events (and cookery courses, if applicable) to the highest possible standard, in an organised and timely manner.
● Form good relationships with all River Cottage teams and contributors.
● Liaise with the Head Chef to ensure all produce is ordered in a timely fashion for all dining events and cookery classes, ensuring stock is rotated and checked.
● Produce accurate and relevant menus for dining events and recipe packs for each cookery school
● Ensure all dining events and courses run within their allocated costs.
● Continually review ways of reducing waste, helping us deliver our sustainable objectives
● Ensure that all controllable costs are kept within budget by recording all waste and ensure accurate accepting of deliveries
● Coach members of your team to participate in demonstrations to aid their development.
KEY PRACTICES
● Ensure that all company assets, stock and property are well cared for and secure at all times.
● Maintain and monitor the highest standards of Hygiene and Health & Safety in accordance with all statutory, legal and company requirements. Ensure all due diligence & HACCP documentation is recorded & filed.
● Establish and maintain excellent communication with the Head Chef to agreed
specifications and deadlines.
● Ensure the proper implementation of all company policies and procedures.
● Hold and attend training and team meetings as required.
● Communicate company policies, procedures, and standards and to ensure that these are fully understood, implemented and adhered to at all times.
● To always act as an ambassador for River Cottage and to carry out PR activities when requested.
What we’re looking for:
- At least two years’ experience work in a similar fresh food environment
- Ability to independently run a calm and confident kitchen service, working efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- A positive, hard-working attitude
- Strong organisational skills
- Both an interest in and commitment to sustainable and ethical food practices
- Ability to work the shift requirements set out above, with some flexibility due to our fluctuating seasonal business needs
- Full driving licence, enabling you to both access our rural location and drive company vehicles on site
- Level 2 Food Hygience Certification
What you’ll get:
- Salary dependant upon experience, plus a share of tips
- Team Discounts in the River Cottage Kitchen
- Free Cookery Courses
- Family & Friends Discounts
- Team Food on Shift
- Free Parking
- Paid Holiday & Pension Scheme
How to apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you'd be a great fit for the role to:
[email protected]
We'd love to hear what excites you about River Cottage and how your experience could help us continue delivering exceptional hospitality.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
