Cook

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Godalming; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free NT access

Rental deposit loan

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Job summary

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is seeking a Cook to join its team at Winkworth Arboretum, Godalming. You will prepare and present fresh, seasonal dishes in a kitchen that serves visitors across its 185 cafes.

Following the National Trust Cookbook framework, you'll measure, mix and prepare ingredients while supporting deliveries and keeping a clean, safe workspace. We offer induction and training in allergens and food safety, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Ability to follow recipes and batch-cook
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements in a kitchen
• Commitment to delivering food safely and to a high standard

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Serve food to visitors and keep the kitchen area clean and compliant with health and safety legislation
• Assist with deliveries and stock control; participate in induction and training on allergens and food safety

Skills

Following recipes

Batch-cooking

Health and safety

Job description

Do you have a passion for food? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we'd love you to be a part of it.

We’re looking for a Cook to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.

Benefits: We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.

This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.

Summary

Do you have a passion for food? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we'd love you to be a part of it.

We’re looking for a Cook to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.

Benefits: We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.

This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts.

Duration: Fixed Term 9 Months

Interview date: 7th October 2026

Potential start date: as soon as possible

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

What it's like to work here

• To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust, clickhere towatch our video.

What you'll be doing

As a Cook, your focus will be in the kitchen, helping to prepare and present delicious food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Your food will be served directly to visitors. Using the framework of our ‘National Trust Cookbook’, you’ll prepare, measure and mix ingredients. You’ll help with deliveries and with keeping the kitchen clean, to be compliant with health and safety legislation and to make sure that service runs smoothly. We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.

Who we’re looking for

• someone who loves good food and has a friendly and positive attitude.
• confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn.
• aware of health and safety compliance.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

National Trust place

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD

Documents

Cook - A2.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 4th October 2026