Chef/Cook

British Garden Centres; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% meal discount at BGC

20% discount at BGC store

Job summary

British Garden Centres is seeking a skilled Chef/Cook to prepare meals to the menu, delivering tasty dishes with timely service. You will work in a busy kitchen, upholding standards and helping grow our reputation as we expand our dining offer.

The ideal candidate has experience in busy kitchens, can follow recipes, and maintain safety standards. Carvery experience is desirable; stay calm and reliable during peak times. This is a full-time role including weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
• Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.
• Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.
• Knowledge of HACCP.
• Able to manage multiple orders.
• Professionalism and reliability.
• Remain calm under pressure.
• Good time management.

Responsibilities

• Receiving deliveries.
• Food preparation.
• Producing specials.
• Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
• Monitor portion size and waste.
• Clean and tidy kitchen.

Skills

Busy kitchen experience

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Time management

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Level 2 basic food hygiene

Job description

Location: Thatcham

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time

Hours: 40 Hours per Week Including Weekends

We are looking for a skilledChef/Cook to prepare delicious meals according to the menu. You will cook dishes that will delight our customers with their taste and timely delivery.

An excellent Chef/Cook must be able to follow instructions in cooking and delivering well‑prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multi‑tasking. Experience in using various ingredients and cooking techniques is also important.

The goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele.

If you are looking for a role where you are given the opportunity to take pride in your work, where you can create your own ideas for specials and home baking, then we would love to hear from you.

Carvery Experience desirable

What we offer:
Security of working in a well‑established expanding family business.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday
50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, discount rates available at our Leisure Park.

Skills needed:

Experience of working in a busy kitchen.

Creative at making dishes but also able to work to specs.

Experience of cooking carvery is an advantage.

Knowledge of HACCP.

Able to manage multiple orders.

Professionalism and reliability.

Remain calm under pressure.

Good time management.

Level 2 basic food hygiene is an advantage.

Duties include:

Receiving deliveries.

Food preparation.

Producing specials.

Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.

Monitor portion size and waste.

Clean and tidy kitchen

Applications close –-Thursday 15th October 2026