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We're always looking for passionate people to join our garden centre and cafe team.
Chef
Lay of the Land Café is looking for an experienced chef to join our small, friendly team.
We’re an independent café focused on fresh, high-quality food, great coffee, and creating a welcoming customer experience. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in producing consistently good food, enjoys working independently, and wants to be part of a growing business.
This role would suit a chef looking for a better work/life balance while still working with fresh food in a quality-led environment.
What We Offer
● Tips on top of wages
● Daytime hours only – no evening shifts
● Meals on shift
● 28 days holiday
● Staff Discount In shop & Cafe
● Weekend work required, with a fair rota (typically 1–2 full weekends off per month)
● Freedom to contribute ideas and have input on the menu
About the Role
This is a hands-on role in a busy but manageable 22-seat café.
You’ll often be running the kitchen independently during your shift, preparing and cooking fresh food to a consistently high standard while keeping service running smoothly and efficiently.
We make our food fresh in-house and care about quality, consistency, and presentation.
This role would suit someone confident working independently in a smaller kitchen who enjoys being part of a close-knit team and is happy to get involved wherever needed.
As a small independent business, flexibility is important. While your main focus will be the kitchen, there may occasionally be times where you’ll help support front-of-house during busy periods.
You’ll have plenty of support from the owner, along with the freedom to contribute ideas, suggest specials, and help shape the food offering.
Key Responsibilities
● Preparing and cooking fresh food to a high standard
● Running kitchen service efficiently during your shift
● Maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation
● Keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and efficient
● Supporting with stock control and ordering when needed
● Maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety standards
● Contributing ideas for specials and menu improvements
● Supporting front-of-house when required during busy periods
What We’re Looking For
● Previous experience as a chef in a busy kitchen
● Confidence working independently
● Strong organisation and good time management
● Calm under pressure during busy service
● Flexible and happy to support across the business when needed
● Friendly, positive attitude and team mindset
● Passion for fresh, quality food
We’re looking for someone reliable, hardworking, and enthusiastic who wants to be part of a supportive independent business and help us continue building something special.
How to Apply
Interested in joining us? Send your CV and a brief cover letter to mail@layoftheland.co.uk