Farm Shop Café Chef
Farm Shop Café Chef
Full-Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5 Days Out of 7 (working 3 weekends out of 4)
Do you have a passion for creating dishes that showcase the very best of local, seasonal produce? Our Farm Shop Café is seeking a Café Chef to rebuild and inspire a new kitchen team, shaping a fresh food offering from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to lead with creativity, craft simple but flavour‑driven menus, and champion true farm‑to‑table cooking in a vibrant, community‑focused setting."
Competitive Salary and discretionary bonus scheme | Excellent Benefits including 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, Private Medical Scheme, choice of 2 pension schemes
ABOUT US
Windsor Farm Shop offers a wide range of products sourced from British speciality producers, local artisans and the Windsor Farms. Founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2001, we enjoy a unique position on the edge of the stunning Windsor Estate, housed within converted potting sheds which date back to the reign of Queen Victoria.
Our Farm Shop Café is a destination for food lovers who value quality, sustainability, and authenticity. We believe in the farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing ingredients from local farms and suppliers—many of which come directly from our own farm shop. Our philosophy is that every dish should tell a story of freshness, seasonality and care for the environment.
The Crown Estate is a prestigious organisation that manages an extensive portfolio of properties across the UK, including historic landmarks, retail spaces, and natural environments. We are committed to excellence, sustainability, and providing exceptional experiences for our visitors. As part of our team, you will contribute to maintaining the high standards and reputation of The Crown Estate.
Purpose of the Role
The purpose of this role is to design and prepare seasonal menus that showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients and to consistently deliver an outstanding customer experience.
Key Accountabilities
Customer Experience
Cook dishes to the highest standards of taste, presentation, and consistency.
Collaborate with the Hospitality Manager to develop new ideas, specials and events.
Inspire and lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service.
Respond to customer queries and resolve complaints professionally.
Retail & Stock Management
Manage stock efficiently, reduce waste and ensure smooth kitchen operations.
Keep the area clean, well-presented, and fully stocked throughout the day.
Maintain strong product knowledge.
Food Hygiene & Safety
Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene and food safety practices.
Complete required health and safety checklists in accordance with Crown Estate policies.
Assist with safe and calm evacuations in emergencies.
Facilities Support
Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
Follow procedures relating to uniform and other key operational policies.
Operational Flexibility
Undertake any additional duties necessary to ensure an excellent visitor experience.
The Crown Estate Values and Behaviours
At The Crown Estate, our purpose is to create lasting and shared prosperity for the nation by delivering positive social, environmental, and financial impact in everything we do. We expect every colleague to role model our behaviours — Better Together, Candour with Care, Resourceful, and Accountable — because how we work matters as much as what we achieve. By living these behaviours, we work better together and create more value for The Crown Estate, our customers and communities.
Skills, Experience & Attributes
Essential
Proven experience as a Chef or in a similar role.
A genuine passion for farm-to-table cooking and seasonal menus.
Strong communication skills; friendly, confident, and approachable.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.
Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
Food hygiene certificates preferred
Proven ability to manage customer concerns positively.
Calm, assertive, and able to work well with a diverse range of people.
Demonstrable ability to deliver high-quality service and products.
Reliable, punctual, and able to work efficiently.
Basic IT skills.
Personal Attributes
Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to support wherever needed.
A strong customer service ethos and a collaborative, team-focused approach.
Resourceful, proactive, and able to problem-solve effectively.