Commis Chef - Kitchen support

The Hartley Arms; Newbury; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training and ongoing support

Free meal on duty

20% discount across Honesty Group

Discounted Cookery School courses

Genuine opportunities for progression

Job summary

Honesty Group is seeking a Commis Chef / Kitchen Support to join our team in Newbury. You’ll contribute to daily mise en place, support chefs, and help maintain a clean, efficient kitchen during busy periods.

We offer full training, career progression, a free meal on duty, and staff discounts across Honesty Group. This role is 25-30 hours per week, with Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday lunch shifts.

Qualifications

• Attitude and work ethic are prioritized.
• Willingness to learn and take ownership in a busy kitchen.
• Kitchen experience is helpful but not required.
• Reliable and organised with calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of fresh food and daily mise en place.
• Support chefs during service.
• Prepare ingredients and simple dishes.
• Help with deliveries, stock rotation and storage.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Keep kitchen clean, organised and safe.
• Assist with end-of-day cleaning and closing procedures.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Team player

Reliable

Calm under pressure

Willing to learn

Kitchen experience

Job description

Join the Honesty Family — Commis Chef / Kitchen Support

Who We Are

At Honesty Group, we’re not just another hospitality business. We’re a home away from home — built on great food, great coffee and great people.

Everything we serve is rooted in quality and care, from our handmade bakery products to our seasonal menus and fresh ingredients. We believe hospitality should feel honest, welcoming and community-focused, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of that.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We put people first, and that includes our kitchen teams.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to develop their cooking skills while becoming an important part of a supportive and hardworking kitchen.

You’ll work alongside experienced chefs, learn fresh food preparation and gain valuable kitchen experience, while also helping keep the kitchen organised, clean and running smoothly.

Many of our chefs and supervisors started in junior kitchen roles and progressed through the business.

What You’ll Do

As a Commis Chef / Kitchen Support team member, you’ll be involved in all aspects of kitchen life.

Kitchen & Food Preparation

• Assist with the preparation of fresh food and daily mise en place
• Support chefs during service
• Prepare ingredients and simple dishes
• Help with deliveries, stock rotation and storage
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation

Kitchen Support & KP Duties

• Wash dishes, utensils, cookware and kitchen equipment
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and safe
• Support cleaning schedules and daily kitchen maintenance
• Dispose of waste correctly and maintain recycling systems
• Assist with end-of-day cleaning and closing procedures

This role includes a significant amount of kitchen porter responsibility, particularly during busy periods, so we’re looking for someone who takes pride in keeping a kitchen running efficiently and enjoys being part of a team. This role is for 25-30 hours per week, Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday lunch.

Who You Are

• Enthusiastic and hardworking
• Happy to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in
• Reliable and organised
• Calm under pressure
• A team player who supports others
• Interested in food and developing kitchen skills
• Willing to learn and take ownership
• Kitchen experience is helpful, but attitude is just as important to us.

What You’ll Get From Us

• Full training and ongoing support
• The opportunity to develop your cooking skills
• Free meal on duty
• 20% discount across Honesty Group
• Discounted Cookery School courses
• Genuine opportunities for progression

Your Future Here

This role can lead to opportunities such as:

• Commis Chef
• Chef de Partie
• Kitchen Supervisor
• Production Kitchen roles
• Wider opportunities across Honesty Group

We love promoting from within and investing in people who want to grow.

Safety & Inclusivity

We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported and respected.