Open today from 09:00 until 17:30Open today from 08:30 until 17:00

Need help? Call us on - 01372 273891 or The Olive Tree on 01372 271188

Need help? Call us on - 01372 271188

Cook (part-time)

Cook (Part-Time)

We’re looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and flexible Cook to support the Café Manager in running our busy garden centre café. This is a hands-on role in the kitchen, with some supervisory responsibility on alternate weekends and on the manager’s days off. Barista training would be an advantage.

You’ll work part-time with daytime shifts only (no evenings), including alternate weekends—offering a great work–life balance. On your working weekend (and on the Café Manager’s days off), you’ll help supervise the day-to-day running of the café and support the weekend/weekday team.

About us
Our café is part of a popular, independent, family-run garden centre in Ashtead.

About the café

We serve breakfast, speciality tea and coffee, cakes, pizza, light lunches and ice cream. The café seats around 300 customers including outdoor seating. Afternoon Tea is served in our function room, which can also be booked for larger parties and events.

The role

Key responsibilities include:

  • Cook meals efficiently while maintaining quality and presentation standards
  • Keep the kitchen running smoothly during service
  • Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and customer satisfaction
  • Follow food safety requirements, including correct handling and storage of ingredients
  • Keep the kitchen clean, organised and well stocked
  • Support the wider café operation and help out in other areas as needed
  • On alternate weekends (and on the Café Manager’s days off), help supervise day-to-day café operations and support the team

What we’re looking for

  • Proven experience working in a busy kitchen
  • High standards of cooking, hygiene and customer service
  • Professional, organised and proactive, with excellent communication skills
  • Reliable time-keeper who can work well under pressure
  • Food hygiene and health & safety trained (or willing to complete training)
  • Barista training is an advantage

Hours

Part-time role including alternate weekends. Daytime shifts only (no evenings).

Benefits

  • Free staff parking
  • Discount in the café and garden centre
  • 28 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata
  • Daytime hours

Job type: Part-time, permanent

Salary: Dependent on experience

How to apply

Please apply by email to [email protected].