The Role

We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic Commis Chef / Cook to join the kitchen team at Novell’s Restaurant, based within Polhill Garden Centre. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with food, takes pride in high standards, and wants to develop their skills in a busy, supportive kitchen environment. 

You will support the kitchen team with food preparation, cooking, service, cleaning, stock control, and food safety procedures. You will work alongside experienced chefs and play an important part in delivering fresh, well-presented food to our customers, in a fast paced and busy kitchen.

Job Requirements:

• Preparing ingredients, completing mise en place, and supporting food production before and during service. 
• Assisting with cooking and presenting dishes to the required standard. 
• Keeping workstations, storage areas, equipment, and kitchen spaces clean, safe, and organised. 
• Following food safety, allergen, hygiene, HACCP, and health and safety procedures always. 
• Receiving, labelling, dating, rotating, and storing stock correctly. 
• Working closely with kitchen and front-of-house colleagues to deliver a positive customer experience. 
• Taking part in training and developing your culinary knowledge and practical kitchen skills. 

About You

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about food and hospitality, reliable, punctual, organised, and willing to learn. You should be comfortable working as part of a team in a busy kitchen and able to follow instructions and recipes accurately.

Essential skills and experience:

• A genuine interest in food, cooking, and hospitality. 
• Basic understanding of food hygiene principles. 
• Ability to work well in a busy kitchen environment. 
• Good communication and teamwork skills. 
• A flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. 

Desirable but not essential:

• Previous kitchen, catering, or hospitality experience. 
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate. 
• Basic knife skills or food preparation experience. 
• Allergen awareness knowledge. 
• A hospitality or catering qualification, apprenticeship, or relevant training. 

What We Offer

• A supportive kitchen team and hands-on training from experienced chefs. 
• The opportunity to develop your culinary knowledge and practical skills. 
• Career progression opportunities within the kitchen brigade. 
• A busy restaurant environment where no two days are the same. 

How to Apply

If you are a proactive, reliable and hardworking individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via email to jobs@polhillcentre.co.uk with your CV and a short covering statement explaining why you would be a great fit for the role.