Kitchen and Café Assistant

Following the success of the first season operating our new café – The Coal Shed – we are excited to be recruiting for a full-time Kitchen and Café Assistant to join our team in both the kitchen and front of house from February 2026.

If you’re passionate about cooking and good food, enjoy working in a customer-facing environment and want to be part of a friendly team in what has already proved to be a successful new venture, then we’d love to hear from you.

Above all, we are committed to finding the right person for our team. For us, a positive attitude, adaptability, reliability and a genuine team-player mentality are more important than formal experience. We are happy to train the right candidate who brings enthusiasm, flexibility and a strong work ethic.

Role Description

As your primary role, you will be trained by our Head Chef to prepare and cook all menu items and rotating daily specials. Responsibilities will include food preparation, stock management and waste control, as well as close collaboration with the front of house team to ensure consistently high standards of service and that the café operates smoothly, efficiently and with minimal waste. After completing your training, you will take responsibility for managing the kitchen during the Chef’s days off and holidays, supported by the tourism team during peak periods

As a secondary role, you will be the welcoming face of the café, ensuring every guest enjoys a warm, friendly and professional experience. Responsibilities will include covering days off for our full-time front of house team member; greeting customers, taking and processing orders, serving food and beverages, assisting with kitchen porter duties, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the café. Once fully trained in Café operations, you will work front of house to cover days off and holidays.

The café operates seven days a week, so your working hours will be scheduled on a five-day rota, combining mid-week and weekend shifts in either the kitchen or the café. On rare occasions, such as to provide holiday cover, you may be required to work up to seven consecutive days, with time off in lieu provided. From 2026 we will be hosting occasional evening themed events, which you will also be required to work, all within your contracted hours.

During the winter shut-down, the café will close for routine maintenance. During this time, you will be required to support the wider tourism team in line with the needs of the business.

What we are looking for

• Friendly, reliable, punctual and well-presented, with a genuine interest in hospitality
• Confident communication and strong customer service skills
• A keen eye for detail, with accuracy in order taking and pride in high standards of food presentation, cleanliness and hygiene
• The ability to multitask during busy service periods and work calmly and cooperatively as part of a close-knit team
• Flexibility and willingness to work across both kitchen and front of house as required
• Good numerical skills, with confidence in handling cash and card transactions
• Previous experience in a café, hospitality or similar role is an advantage but not essential, as full training will be provided

What we offer

• Salary £27,000
• Share of hospitality gratuities
• Full-time, permanent position
• 32 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Staff discounts

Supportive and friendly team environment.

Express your interest by email to Kathryn McLaughlin, Operations Manager at kathryn@ardtornish.co.uk
Or call Tel: 01967421288