Kitchen Assistant/ Chef
Location: Aylings Garden Centre & Tearoom, A272, Trotton, West Sussex, GU31 5ES
Position Type: Part-Time / Full-Time (to be discussed)
Reporting To: Tearoom Manager / Head Chef
About Us
Aylings Garden Centre & Tearoom is a friendly, family-run destination offering quality food, drinks, and excellent customer service in a welcoming environment. We pride ourselves on creating a positive experience for every customer and are looking for an enthusiastic team member to join our tearoom team.
The Role
We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Front of House Assistant & Third Chef to support both customer-facing operations and kitchen duties within our busy tearoom. This is a varied role ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, has a passion for food, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
The role will include weekend working, typically on an alternate weekend basis, with flexibility required during busy periods and seasonal events.
Key Responsibilities
Front of House Duties
- Providing a warm and friendly welcome to customers.
- Taking food and drink orders accurately.
- Serving meals, beverages, and cakes to customers.
- Operating the till and handling payments.
- Maintaining cleanliness and presentation of the tearoom, dining areas, and service stations.
- Assisting customers with enquiries and ensuring high standards of customer service.
- Supporting the team during busy periods to ensure smooth daily operations.
Third Chef Duties
- Assisting the Head Chef and kitchen team with food preparation and service.
- Preparing sandwiches, light lunches, breakfasts, and daily specials.
- Assisting with baking and presentation of cakes and desserts where required.
- Maintaining high food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Ensuring kitchen equipment and work areas are kept clean and organised.
- Assisting with stock rotation, deliveries, and inventory management.
- Covering basic cooking duties and supporting kitchen operations during staff absence or peak periods.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in hospitality, catering, or a similar role is desirable but not essential.
- A positive attitude and excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work efficiently as part of a team.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Willingness to learn and take on a variety of responsibilities.
- Food Hygiene Certificate preferred, although training can be provided.
- Flexibility to work weekends and during busy seasonal periods.
What We Offer
- A friendly and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for training and development.
- Staff discounts.
- Competitive rate of pay based on experience.
- The opportunity to be part of a well-established local business with a strong community focus.
If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoy both customer service and food preparation, we would love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From £12.75 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Application question(s):
- Do you follow us on any social media’s?
Experience:
- Hospitality: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person
