At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook delicious food while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: Wetherspoon is a UK Top Employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Why this job: Perfect for those seeking flexibility, teamwork, and opportunities for career progression.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
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
At a glance, your role is to work as part of a team to prepare and cook food and to help to 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
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.
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.
HOURS PER WEEK:
20 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Kitchen staff / 527 - The Hope Tap, Reading employer: J D Wetherspoon plc
At Wetherspoon, we pride ourselves on being a UK Top Employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. With competitive pay, flexible shift patterns, and an award-winning training programme, we provide excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether you're seeking a long-term career or just extra shifts. Join us in Reading and enjoy unique benefits like free meals, discounts, and the chance to progress into leadership roles within our supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen staff / 527 - The Hope Tap, Reading
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like J D Wetherspoon plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to J D Wetherspoon plc
Don't be shy about reaching out to J D Wetherspoon plc directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff / 527 - The Hope Tap, Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about J D Wetherspoon plc and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon plc
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
