Café Cook / Chef – The Parlour Restaurant at Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre
Daytime Hours | Excellent Work-Life Balance | Closed Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day & Easter Sunday
Are you a passionate and creative cook or chef who thrives in a warm, welcoming environment? Do you take pride in producing food that brings people joy? If so, we want to hear from you.
At The Parlour Restaurant, located within the beautiful Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre, we're not just serving meals — we're serving moments, made with care, quality, and genuine hospitality. We're currently looking for an enthusiastic and talented Café Cook / Chef to join our growing team.
This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who values work-life balance, thrives in a daytime-only role, and wants to work in a vibrant, friendly setting.
Why Join Us?
* Daytime-only hours – no evening shifts
* Set holiday closures – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday off
* A friendly and professional working environment
* A chance to be part of a creative kitchen that values fresh ideas and high standards
* Located in a scenic and inspiring garden centre setting
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and cook a variety of fresh, high-quality dishes for breakfast, lunch, and specials menus
* Ensure consistency, presentation, and quality in every plate served
* Oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including opening and closing procedures
* Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food hygiene
* Follow all food safety, health & safety, and allergen protocols
* Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering, and manage waste efficiently
* Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure a smooth and enjoyable customer experience
* Contribute to menu development with creative seasonal and customer-focused ideas
* Support and guide junior kitchen staff, promoting a positive and professional kitchen culture
About You
* A strong background in cooking within a café, bistro, or casual dining environment
* A passion for food, presentation, and exceeding guest expectations
* Confident working under pressure in a busy kitchen
* Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
* Excellent time management and communication skills
* Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred but not essential)
This Is More Than Just a Job
At The Parlour, we believe in creating something special — a welcoming space where people can relax, connect, and enjoy truly great food. If you're excited by the idea of being part of a passionate team where your skills and ideas are valued, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply Today
Join us, and help make The Parlour Restaurant the go-to destination for quality food and heartfelt hospitality in Canterbury.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person