East Durham

British Garden Centres; South Hetton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

50% meal discount at any BGCrestaurant

20% discount at any BGC store

Leisure Park discounts

No evening work

Job summary

British Garden Centres is seeking skilled Chefs/Cooks for a part-time role in East Durham. The position involves carvery preparation, food production, and quick service to customers. You will follow menu specifications and maintain high standards of hygiene.

With no evening work and weekend coverage required, this role offers a stable environment in a family-run business. 20 hours per week, including weekends, with opportunities to contribute to seasonal specials.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a busy kitchen.
• Knowledge of carvery preparation and presentation is an advantage.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Carvery preparation and presentation.
• Taking deliveries.
• Food preparation and handling.
• Producing specials.
• Prepare, cook and present food quickly and to a high standard.
• Monitor portion size and reduce waste.

Skills

Busy kitchen experience

Carvery knowledge

HACCP knowledge

Time management

Calm under pressure

Professionalism

Food hygiene Level 2

Job description

Location: East Durham
Contract type: Temporary
Hours: Part Time
Hours: 20 Hours per Week Including Weekends

About Us

British Garden Centres is the UK’s largest family owned garden centre group, with 80 centres nationwide. Founded by the Stubbs family, the business has grown rapidly through significant expansion and acquisitions, evolving from its first site at Woodthorpe Garden Centre into a national brand.

The group now includes garden centres, restaurants, nurseries and distribution centres, employing more than 3,500 colleagues across the UK. Despite its scale, British Garden Centres maintains strong family values, a community focus, and a commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for both customers and employees.

We are looking for skilled Chefs/Cooks 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.

Knowledge of working and preparing the Carvery

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

What we offer:

• No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year-round business.
• 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:

• Carvery Preparation & presentation
• The taking of deliveries
• Food preparation
• Producing specials
• Prepare, cook, and present food quickly and efficiently to a high standard.
• Monitor portion size and waste

Appliations close – Thursday 29th October 2026