Important: Please read this job description fully before applying.
* This role begins with a 6-month fixed-term contract.
* At the end of 6 months, there will be a formal review meeting to confirm progress and discuss whether you and we are both happy.
* If successful, you will then be offered a permanent contract.
* If you have any questions, please ask through the Indeed messaging system before interview — we're here to answer them and want your time with us to be a comfortable one.
Job Description
Chef / Cook – Saltwater Café Bar
Location: North Bay, Scarborough
Contract: 6-month fixed term (with review) → Permanent
Hours:
* September – February (low season): 2–3 days per week, with extra hours during October half-term, Christmas, and February half-term, plus holiday cover. Some lone working required.
* March – September (high season): Full-time, up to 60 hours per week, with a larger seasonal team in place to support.
* January: Saltwater closes every year to give the team a well-earned break.
Salary: Meets National Minimum Wage (April 2025 rates)
About Us
Saltwater Café Bar is a busy, vibrant venue on Scarborough's North Bay, serving great food and drinks in a relaxed beachside setting. Permanent roles here don't come up often – many of our staff have been with us for years. We work like a family: a close-knit team where everyone supports one another, whether in the kitchen or front of house.
Job Overview
This role changes with the seasons:
* Winter (low season): You'll often be running the kitchen independently, while also supporting and being supported by front-of-house staff. Teamwork across the whole business is key.
* Summer (high season): With a much larger seasonal team in place, you'll focus fully on your chef/cook duties in the kitchen, delivering food to a high standard during our busiest months.
This role also benefits from our Saltwater Hours Bank system.
Hours Bank explained simply:
* In summer, you may work long weeks (often 60+ hours).
* Any hours above your agreed cap are "banked."
* In winter, those banked hours are used to top up your pay, so you have a steady income all year round.
We know joining at this time of year is unusual, as the existing team already has hours banked from summer. But once you've completed your first full season, you'll benefit from the system too.
Contract Structure
* You will start on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
* At the end of this period, we'll hold a formal review meeting to check how you're settling in, whether you're happy, and whether we're happy.
* If successful, we will offer you a permanent contract with Saltwater.
This ensures clarity and fairness for both sides.
Key Responsibilities
* Preparing and cooking a range of dishes in a busy, seasonal kitchen.
* Running the kitchen independently during quieter winter shifts.
* Supporting FOH in winter and receiving their support in return.
* Focusing on cooking and kitchen duties during peak summer.
* Operating and maintaining kitchen equipment, including Merrychefs, fryers, and grills.
* Ensuring food is cooked to a high standard and presented well.
* Following strict food safety and hygiene standards.
* Assisting with stock control and keeping the kitchen clean and organised.
* Working efficiently under pressure, especially during peak summer service.
What We're Looking For
* Must be 18+ (due to kitchen regulations).
* Previous kitchen experience preferred but not essential.
* Ability to run a kitchen independently in quieter periods.
* Ability to use and maintain kitchen equipment (training provided if needed).
* Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required (or willingness to obtain before starting).
* Strong work ethic and adaptability between lone working and teamwork.
* Flexibility to work weekends, evenings (summer only), and bank holidays.
* A positive, team-focused attitude — someone who will fit into our family-style, close-knit team.
Why Join Us?
* Clear contract pathway: 6-month fixed term → review → permanent contract.
* Saltwater Hours Bank System: balances summer overtime with steady winter pay.
* Free staff food while on shift.
* Staff discounts for personal and family use when off-shift.
* Annual closure in January so the whole team gets a break.
* A fun, supportive, family-like team environment in a beautiful beachside location.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: From £12.21 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 70 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
Experience:
* Kitchen: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person