ABOUT US:

Dean Forest Railway is a volunteer-led heritage railway situated in the picturesque Forest of Dean. We operate Whistles Café at our Norchard Station, providing delicious food and refreshments to our visitors. We are now looking for a friendly and reliable Café Assistant (Front of House) to join our team, ensuring our café runs smoothly and providing excellent service to our customers.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

As a Café Assistant (Front of House), you’ll be the welcoming face of Whistles Café. Your duties will include serving customers, preparing drinks and snacks, taking food orders, and working with the kitchen to ensure stock and orders are managed effectively. You’ll keep the café and surrounding areas clean and tidy, handle money at the till, and provide excellent customer service throughout.
This is a physically demanding role where you will be on your feet for most of the day, often during busy service periods. It requires good stamina, reliability, and a willingness to get stuck in with both customer-facing duties and cleaning tasks. You will also assist with events such as evening functions and railway experiences.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

· Experience working in a café, hospitality, or customer service role (preferred).
· Good communication and customer service skills.
· Friendly, approachable, and able to work well as part of a team.
· Organised, reliable, and able to work efficiently during busy times.
· Fit and physically able to be on your feet all day and carry out cleaning duties.
· Basic knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards (Level 2 Food Hygiene desirable, but training can be provided).

· Serving customers, preparing hot drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and snacks.
· Taking and processing orders, liaising with the kitchen to ensure availability.
· Operating the till, handling cash and card payments accurately.
· Keeping the café, FOH area, and equipment (including the coffee machine) clean and well-maintained.
· Emptying bins, mopping floors, and maintaining hygiene standards in line with food safety regulations.
· Replenishing fridges, displays, and stock levels as required.
· Assisting with pre-ordered items such as cream teas and afternoon teas.
· Supporting and working alongside volunteers in the café.
· Helping at special events such as murder mystery evenings and private functions.
· Keeping the outside café area tidy, including emptying outside bins when necessary.