Seasonal Food & Beverage Host

Location Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU
. Salary minimum wage. Final date to receive applications Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Paignton Zoo, originally opened in 1923 as the Torbay Zoological Gardens, has evolved over the past century into one of the South West’s leading conservation organisations and most popular visitor attractions. Today it is home to more than 230 animal species.

Love great food, buzzing environments, and making people’s day? Step into the action as a seasonal Food & Beverage Host and help us serve up fantastic experiences alongside delicious food and drink.

From crafting the perfect baguette to serving hungry visitors with a smile, you’ll be right at the heart of the action—keeping things running smoothly and creating a welcoming, feel‑good atmosphere. If you enjoy fast‑paced work, being part of a team, and making a real impact on someone’s day, this is the role for you!

You’ll support daily catering operations, serve visitors, prepare food and maintain excellent hygiene and safety standards. You’ll help keep the café and service areas clean, stocked and welcoming, ensuring our guests have a positive experience.

Salary:
National Minimum Wage

Contract:

Seasonal

Length of contract: either to the end of August 2026 or the end of September 2026 (both are available).

• Deliver friendly, efficient service and create a warm welcome for every guest.
• Prepare and serve food and drinks to high quality and presentation standards.
• Keep displays well‑stocked, fresh, and looking great.
• Support food preparation while maintaining consistency and hygiene standards.
• Help keep all areas clean, tidy, and guest‑ready.
• Operate tills and handle payments accurately.
• Manage stock, take deliveries, and minimise waste.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen, and safety procedures at all times.
• Work flexibly across different catering areas as needed.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, customer‑focused people who bring energy and positivity to every shift:

• Experience in a customer‑facing role (hospitality, retail, or similar).
• Great communication skills and a friendly, approachable style.
• Confidence handling tills or cash (or willingness to learn!).
• Ability to stay calm and deliver great service during busy periods.
• A strong team spirit and willingness to help others.
• Attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
• A willingness to learn food safety (Level 2 Food Hygiene).

• Previous café, restaurant, or catering experience.
• Food preparation or kitchen experience.
• Knowledge of allergens and food safety practices.

• A true “people person” who loves making others smile.
• Energetic, adaptable, and ready to get stuck in.
• Reliable and hardworking.
• A team player who brings positive vibes.
• Calm under pressure and ready for busy service times.
• Passionate about great food and great service.

At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata, free branded uniform, access to top‑tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor, free zoo entry for loved ones, sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site, free staff parking, and support through our Employee Assistance Programme.

We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.

We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date.