ABOUT US:

Dean Forest Railway is a volunteer-led heritage railway nestled in the picturesque Forest of Dean. We operate Whistles Café at our Norchard Station, offering quality food and refreshments to visitors.
We’re looking for an experienced chef-level cook to take charge of our heritage railway café. This is a hands-on role, responsible not only for preparing and cooking food but also for managing stock and suppliers, placing orders, keeping the café and kitchen spotless, and supervising our Café Assistant. You’ll ensure the café is fully prepared for service, well-stocked for events, and kept to our 5-star hygiene standard at all times.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

As Café Cook & Supervisor (Chef), you will be responsible for preparing and cooking food, overseeing the day-to-day running of the café, and supervising the front-of-house Café Assistant (your direct report). You’ll manage stock and suppliers, maintain food safety and hygiene standards, and ensure the café is well-prepared for both busy periods and special events.
This is a hands-on role where you will lead in the kitchen, take full responsibility for ordering, stock control, and cleaning, and maintain the highest hygiene standards to retain our 5-star rating. You will also contribute to developing the café’s offer, suggest new menu ideas, and support the café’s involvement in railway events. The role is ideal for someone confident in the kitchen, highly organised, and proactive in leading a small team.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

· Experience in a café or kitchen-based role, ideally with supervisory responsibility
· Strong cooking and food prep skills, including sandwich making and baking
· Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure
· Good understanding of stock control and supplier management
· Essential: Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate (must be willing to obtain Level 2 if offered the role)
· Desirable: Level 1 General Cookery Certificate

• Prepare and cook a variety of menu items, including sandwiches, toasties, bacon rolls, pasties, sausage rolls, and baked goods
• Prepare pre-ordered items such as cream teas and afternoon teas
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organisation to retain our 5-star hygiene rating
• Correctly date, store, and rotate stock
• Maintain and care for kitchen equipment
• Manage all stock ordering, monitoring usage and upcoming events
• Maintain good relationships with suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and reliable deliveries
• Keep storerooms and fridges tidy, organised, and well-stocked
• Supervise the Café Assistant to ensure the front-of-house is clean, stocked, and welcoming
• Keep accurate records, including fridge temperatures, allergen information, and cleaning logs
• Train and support the assistant and any volunteers working in the café
• Suggest and trial new food items, specials, and seasonal offerings
• Take pride in the appearance and reputation of the café