National Trust
Cook
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Summary
We’re looking for a Cook to join us! 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.
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.
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Salary: £13.25 per hour
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Duration: Fixed term until 30th June 2027
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Hours: 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.
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Interviews: Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September
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Potential Start Date: 28th September 2026
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
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.
To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust, click here to watch 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.
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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
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
- 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.
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National Trust Place
Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, GU8 4AD
[Documents](Cook - Career Level A2.pdf)
Requirements
- Compliance
- Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional Information
- Closing Date: 30 August 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people, or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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