Cook - Cumbria

Outdoor Learning; Kendal; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Bendrigg Trust, a residential activity centre near Kendal, invites applications for a friendly cook to join our catering team. You'll prepare and serve meals to guests and staff, upholding high standards and helping with stock management and waste reduction.

We value passion for food, reliability and teamwork. Food hygiene qualifications are welcome, and training can be provided for the right candidate. The role operates on a seven-day rota with five days on average per week.

Qualifications

• Food hygiene qualifications are welcome and training can be provided for the right candidate.
• Experience in a kitchen is not required but enthusiasm for cooking is essential.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving fresh, homemade meals
• Supporting guests with a wide range of dietary requirements
• Working with the Head Cook and wider catering team
• Assisting with stock management and ordering
• Cleaning kitchen and food preparation areas
• Helping us reduce waste and operate sustainably

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking

Teamwork

Reliability

Guest interaction

Workload management

Education

Food hygiene awareness

Job description

Contract type Full or Part Time / Permanent or Fixed Term

Closing date 23 Oct 2026 03:00 PM

Why join Bendrigg?

• No split shifts
• Early finishes on some shifts
• Christmas and New Year closure
• Free meals when on shift
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Pension contributions of 5% from the employee are matched by 5% from Bendrigg Trust
• Free on-site parking
• Health and wellbeing cash plan
• Supportive and friendly team environment
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives

Bendrigg Trust is a residential activity centre near Kendal. Every year we welcome around 4,000 visitors of all ages and abilities, helping people overcome barriers, develop confidence and experience adventure in an accessible and inclusive environment.

Food plays a huge part in that experience.

Our catering team provides freshly prepared meals for guests and staff, whilst catering for a wide range of dietary requirements and individual needs.

The Role

You’ll work as part of a team of experienced cooks, preparing and serving meals to our guests and helping to maintain the high standards for which Bendrigg is known.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and serving fresh, homemade meals
• Supporting guests with a wide range of dietary requirements
• Working with the Head Cook and wider catering team
• Assisting with stock management and ordering
• Cleaning kitchen and food preparation areas
• Helping us reduce waste and operate sustainably

About You

You don’t necessarily need experience in a large commercial kitchen, but you do need to enjoy preparing good food and working as part of a team.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for food and cooking
• Is reliable and punctual
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Enjoys interacting with guests and visitors
• Is organised and able to manage their workload
• Takes pride in producing quality food
• Has a positive and supportive attitude

Food hygiene qualifications are welcome, but we can support training for the right candidate.

Working Pattern

This role averages five days per week on a seven-day rota.

Typical shifts are:

• Early: 07:00 - 15:15
• Day: 08:45 - 17:00
• Late: 11:00 - 19:15

There are no split shifts.

Interested?

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or criminal records.