Full job descriptionSummary The National Trust’s commitment is "For everyone, for ever." Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive.
Our roles are open to all. However, we particularly welcome applications from people of colour and people of the global majority because they are underrepresented at the Trust.
Do you have a passion for food? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we’d love you to be a part of it.
We’re looking for a Cook to join us. Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.
Benefits: We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.
Salary: £15,502.50 pra rata (FTE £25,837.50 per annum)
Hours: You’ll be working 22.5 hours per week. Working days will differ, but shifts can fall on any day of the week including weekends.
While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays but does not require evening or split shifts. A cook’s shift is typically 8:30am to 4:15pm.
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Duration: Fixed term until 30-Sep-2027
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it’s like to work here The cafe and kiosk at Stowe welcomes over 230,000 visitors each year, serving home-made cakes, bakes, brunch and hearty pies to families, cyclists, dog walkers and everyone in between.
We’re looking for a Cook to support the Head Chef in our friendly kitchen team. From helping run service, prepping salads or making scones by hand. It’s fast paced and hard work. No qualifications needed as full training will be given.
To find out more about what it’s like to work in a food and beverage team for the National Trust, click here to watch our video.
What you’ll be doing As a Cook, your main focus will be back of house, supporting the Head Chef and his team in a range of tasks from prep to service. Your food will be served directly to visitors. You’ll help to welcome and look after everyone who comes to the cafe by helping to keep the quality and standard of our food high. This is a busy fast-paced environment, so teamwork and adaptability are crucial. At times, you may also be asked to help front of house by washing pots or running food.
Using the framework of our ’National Trust Cookbook’, you’ll prepare, measure and mix ingredients. You’ll help with deliveries and with keeping the kitchen clean, to be compliant with health and safety legislation and to make sure that service runs smoothly.
We’ll give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.
Who we’re looking for We’d love to hear from you if you’re:


•someone who loves good food and has a friendly and positive attitude.


•confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn.


•aware of health and safety compliance.
The package The National Trust has the motto ’For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.