Job Description

Every memorable day out involves great food and drink.

At The Bishop's Palace, a medieval visitor attraction located in the centre of the City of Wells in Somerset, we believe great hospitality is essential. Our Cafe, The Bishop's Table, nestles next to the rampart walls with a fantastic view of the Palace. It is enjoyed by day visitors and locals. At the heart of our offer is the delivery of freshly made, great tasting and locally sourced food and drink. We believe this should be accompanied with exceptional customer service with options to cater for all visitors' expectations - from a quick 'coffee to go' to enjoy while exploring the gardens to a celebratory breakfast or lunch for the whole family.

As an independent charity (The Palace Trust) we aim to be part of the local community while sharing this wonderful heritage gem with all. It is a positive working environment with a great team across the whole site.

The Role:

We're looking for a Chef/Cook who can work within our small kitchen team to produce exceptional food cooked to order. For the right candidates this could be either on a full or part time basis - offering the perfect work/life balance. We work on straight shifts and could accommodate hours around school times if necessary.

The Bishop's Table is a busy cafe which offers a brunch menu plus a Sunday lunch offering. The kitchen team work day shifts, generally 8am until 4.30pm. The cafe is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm daily. Occasional evening if a special event is taking place.

Our Kitchen team are responsible for creating menus, ordering and all health, safety and hygiene to ensure an efficient smooth-running kitchen.

We are open year round and part of a busy, historic visitor attraction so welcome both tourists and regular local customers.

Who are we looking for:

We're looking for a Chef/Cook with at least 3 years' experience in a busy kitchen producing fresh food to order. This could be a great environment to develop your career, or perhaps you are looking to change your work /life balance and come to an friendly catering environment which has daytime shifts. You must be a team player, calm, be enthusiastic about creating and producing seasonal menus, be willing to learn and share learning. It is key time in the cafe's development to join and to help influence the future catering offering. As a small team there may be times when you may be asked to assist in other areas.

Qualifications:

Ideally our Chef would have NVQ L1 or 2 or City and Guilds 7061/7062.
At least 2-3 years' experience as a chef/cook
Excellent communication skills and ability to place orders and maintain kitchen paperwork.

What you will get for the role (including benefits):

You will be working for an independent charity whose main aim is to share, preserve and protect the 800-year Bishop's Palace, with it's medieval buildings, moat and spectacular gardens. We reinvest in the team and the site and work with local community groups and organisations as part of our community engagement.

We are a living wage employer.
We provide an induction and training plan for each employee from day one.
Day shifts with regular working hours
25-day annual leave
Wellbeing support and access to the organisational Employee Assistance Programme
Positive working environment
Staff Social events
Free admission for yourself and a guest ticket
Opportunity to join the Palace Trust Pension scheme (min of 12% basic pay contribution)
Opportunity to support the local community through volunteer days
Parking may be available
Opportunity to further learning and develop your career

To apply please send your CV to recruitment@bishopspalace.org.uk

Applications will be reviewed when received and shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview shortly after.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Paid volunteer time
Experience:

Catering: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/06/2025
Expected start date: 16/06/2025