Private Cook jobs in Kew Gardens Station

It's using your expertise to deliver the highest standards.

It's developing your leadership skills. And it’s helping to deliver extraordinary service. This is what makes a career at the Royal Household so different.

Joining our highly accomplished team, you’ll work hands-on with your colleagues to deliver food to the highest standards.

Working with quality ingredients and making the most of locally sourced and seasonal produce, you'll plan and develop menu items for a wide range of events and occasions - from royal functions and events to creating meals for employee lunches.

Our team members work collaboratively, with the opportunity to gain experience in all aspects of the kitchen. With training and support embedded in our team culture, you’ll be encouraged to grow your skills.

Although based at Buckingham Palace, you’ll also work at different Royal residences throughout the year.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals to the highest standards across all areas of the kitchen for a variety of purposes, including employee catering, meals for small groups, and events and functions of various scales.
• Support Senior chefs in creating seasonal menus utilising products from the local estates.
• Taking responsibility for your Section you’ll be the key member of the team who’s across the detail of production requirements, supporting the Head Chef with stock ordering and equipment requirements.
• You’ll also collaborate closely with all Kitchen sections to maintain an efficient service, and deputise when needed for senior members of the team.
• Working across a number of different locations (approximately one month in total across the year), you’ll always ensure our levels standards and efficiency are maintained.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of kitchen areas and equipment, adhering to Hygiene Regulations.

Typical Working Pattern

We offer a flexible and supportive working environment. Our standard working week is around 45 hours, with two days off in every seven and regular weekends off (and sometimes evenings). When travel to other Royal Residences is required, split shifts may be part of the schedule, and any travel time is balanced with time off in lieu upon return.

We value work-life balance and aim to accommodate individual needs. Typically, rotas are planned four weeks in advance to provide plenty of notice and stability.

Accommodation

You’ll have the option to live on site in single‑person accommodation (for which there will be a 16.7% salary deduction to cover bills). With breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day, you’ll be well fuelled and ready to support the team throughout the day.

Essential Criteria

• Successfully completed a City and Guilds catering qualification (or equivalent).
• Demonstrate proficiency in all kitchen sections: Larder, Veg, Sauce, and Pastry, showcasing versatility and expertise.
• Collaborate effectively within a team, fostering a supportive, positive, and flexible attitude towards colleagues.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, facilitating smooth operations and coordination in the kitchen environment.
• Have a working knowledge of health and safety legislation, ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Exhibit proven planning and organisational skills, orchestrating kitchen activities with precision and efficiency.
• Display proactive initiative and the ability to use independent judgment, driving innovation and problem-solving.
• Maintain awareness of legislative requirements, adhering to standards and ensuring operational compliance.
• Show eagerness to learn and develop, embracing opportunities for growth and refinement.

Benefits
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best. That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities.

Live-in accommodation with all meals provided is available for this role (for which there is a salary adjustment)

Enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) dependent on the length of time you have worked for us.

Our excellent non-contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.

Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.

Find out more about the full range of benefits available to our employee here.

Vacancy Closing Date: 14/11/2026, 23:55

Work Location: In person