Estate Cook – Join us in the heart of Arley Estate
37.5 hours per week working on a rota between Monday to Sunday
£27,300 per annum
Location: Arley Estate, Upper Arley, Worcestershire
Imagine starting your day surrounded by 1,600 acres of gorgeous woodland, rolling countryside, and fresh air. At Arley Estate, that's not a daydream—it's your daily backdrop.
We're looking for a passionate Estate Cook who loves fresh, homemade food, seasonal flavours, and creating dishes that make people smile. From tearoom favourites to Estate event catering, this is a role full of variety, creativity, and rural charm.
What you'll be doing
Create delicious food every day
* Prepare breakfast and lunch specials for our Arboretum Tearoom.
* Prepare daily sandwiches, light lunches and delightful afternoon teas.
* Batch bake cakes and scones including our most popular recipes and seasonal specials.
* Provide catering for estate meetings, group visits, and special occasions.
* Cook homestyle meals and tasty batch cooked dishes.
* Support teams across the Estate with your culinary skills.
Get creative with menus
* Produce seasonal specials using fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible.
* Help design, shape and cost menus that cater for all dietary needs.
Keep us safe and compliant
* Follow and maintain established food safety, hygiene and allergen processes, including SFBB/HACCP documentation.
* Ensure allergen accuracy and clear labelling.
* Keep the kitchens inspection‑ready at all times.
Be smart with stock
* Manage ordering, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
* Help us drive cost‑efficient, sustainable kitchen practices.
Be part of a positive kitchen culture
* Support team development and rota planning
* Help create a friendly, supportive, can‑do atmosphere.
What you'll bring
* At least 12 months experience in a similar role.
* Essential: Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene, Allergen Training, HACCP/SFBB experience.
* Desirable: Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene, NVQ Cookery, First Aid, COSHH, HACCP training.
* Plus: A love of homestyle cooking, great organisation, pride in your work, and experience in a fast-paced, high volume commercial kitchen.
Why you'll love working here
This isn't your typical kitchen job. You'll join a welcoming team, cook in a stunning rural setting, and enjoy a truly varied role where your skills can shine. If you love good food, beautiful surroundings, and being part of something unique, Arley Estate is the perfect place to grow.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,300.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Experience:
* Kitchen: 1 year (required)
* HACCP: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/03/2026