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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook delicious food while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: J D Wetherspoon is a top UK employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love teamwork and want to learn in a fun, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career advancement.
Overview
Job Title: Kitchen staff
Pub: Waterend Barn, St Albans
Salary: £12.41
Closing Date: 07-09-2025
Vacancy Description: The ideal applicant
We’re looking for fun, enthusiastic, passionate people to join our hard-working teams. No experience is needed, just a good attitude, a willingness to learn and a calm head under pressure. As a UK Top Employer with an award-winning training programme, we know that we can teach you the skills you’ll need to succeed.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term career or just some extra shifts, if you’re reliable, friendly and love working as part of a team – this role could be perfect for you.
What’s in it for you?
- competitive rate of pay
- a free meal and a drink, when working
- 20% discount on all food, drinks and hotel accommodation (for you and up to three guests), when not working
- £1 extra per hour, for hours worked during midnight-5.59am
- bonus scheme – earn up to 19% of your pay
- availability of guaranteed-hours contracts and variable-hours contracts
- paid holiday
- free shares (after a qualifying period)
- loyalty reward scheme
Role and duties
At a glance, your role is to work as part of a team to prepare and cook food and to help keep the kitchen running smoothly, all while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and customer service. Our pubs open early and close late, so we offer great flexibility with shift patterns, including mornings, evenings, weekends and late finishes.
Duties Include
- preparing, cooking and presenting food to the correct spec
- operating kitchen work stations, including grills, fryers, microwaves and more
- working as a team to keep to time and quality targets
- following food hygiene and allergen, as well as health and safety, standards
- cleaning as you go, including full kitchen clean-downs
- rotating stock and storing food safely
- completing required induction, role-specific and ongoing refresher training and contributing to continuous improvement
Progression and development
Most Wetherspoon team leaders and managers started in the kitchen or behind the bar. If you’re looking to progress, we can support your development with:
- structured on-the-job training
- apprenticeships and management academies
- cross-training into other areas (bar, floor, hotel)
- opportunities to move into team-leader, kitchen-shift-leader and/or pub-manager roles
Wetherspoon promotes an inclusive working environment where everyone is welcome. When you’re at work, we want you to feel comfortable being yourself. Whatever your background, preferences or beliefs, we’ll ensure that you have the skills and knowledge you need for a great career with us.
Under-18s may attract a lower rate of pay, always in line with, but usually above, national guidelines.
Read more about our kitchen associate role
Hours
Hours Per Week: 30
Monday Hours: Flexible
Tuesday Hours: Flexible
Wednesday Hours: Flexible
Thursday Hours: Flexible
Friday Hours: Flexible
Saturday Hours: Flexible
Sunday Hours: Flexible
Apply
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Kitchen staff employer: J D Wetherspoon
Contact Detail:
J D Wetherspoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen staff
✨Tip Number 1
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the team, whether it's during a casual chat or an interview, let your passion for working in a kitchen shine through. A positive attitude can make a big difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Wetherspoon brand. Understanding their values and what they stand for can help you connect better with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your teamwork skills. Since this role involves working closely with others, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team, even if it’s outside of a kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Ask questions about training and development opportunities. Showing that you're eager to learn and grow within the company can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to a long-term career.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm: In your application, express your enthusiasm for the role. Mention why you want to work in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy being part of a team.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if you lack direct experience, highlight any transferable skills you have. This could include teamwork, communication, or time management skills that are relevant to the kitchen staff role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Emphasise your willingness to learn and adapt, as well as any previous roles where you demonstrated reliability and a good attitude.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your personality and passion for the hospitality industry. Mention specific reasons why you want to join J D Wetherspoon and how you align with their values.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your passion for working in a kitchen environment. J D Wetherspoon values fun and enthusiastic team members, so let your excitement shine through during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working as part of a team, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the kitchen dynamic.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Even if you lack experience, convey your eagerness to learn and adapt. Mention any relevant skills or experiences that showcase your ability to pick up new tasks quickly, as the company offers extensive training.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to food hygiene, safety standards, and handling pressure in a busy kitchen. Familiarise yourself with these topics to show that you're serious about maintaining high standards.
