Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Up to £12.92 per hour plus quarterly performance bonus and fantastic benefits

Contracts available: 24 hours, 32 hours or 40 hours

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving licence is recommended for this role

Advert closes: Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 5pm

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Good food, great teamwork – it starts in our kitchen.

Our Kitchen Assistant

Good food is at the heart of The Newt in Somerset – including the meals we prepare for our colleagues. As our Kitchen Assistant, you’ll join our Staff Food team, helping to prepare fresh, tasty food that keeps teams across the estate fuelled throughout the day. From supporting our chefs with food preparation and occasional cooking to keeping the kitchen clean and organised, you’ll play a valued part in a busy, friendly team. No previous experience is needed; bring a willingness to learn, a helpful approach and pride in a job well done.

Key Responsibilities

• Support our chefs with food preparation and occasional cooking.
• Wash up and keep kitchen equipment, utensils and workspaces clean.
• Help maintain a tidy, organised kitchen throughout the day.
• Follow instructions and food safety procedures to maintain high standards of hygiene.
• Assist in our staff canteens when needed, supporting the wider team.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we’re looking for

• A flexible, helpful approach and a willingness to support wherever needed.
• A good team player who enjoys working with others.
• The ability to follow instructions and work through a task list.
• A willingness to learn and take care over cleanliness and food hygiene.
• Previous experience in a busy kitchen would be welcome, but is not essential.
• A Level 2 Food Safety qualification would be an advantage, but is not required.

Where you’ll be working

Staff Food caters for up to 400 people a day across two staff canteens, serving hot and cold lunches to Newt employees. The team prepares fresh hot food, cold food, salads and filled rolls, and also serves a limited breakfast.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR