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.
Join to apply for the Kitchen staff role at J D Wetherspoon.
Job Ref: 640648
Pub: The White Hart, Aylesbury
Salary: ÂŁ12.41 per hour
Closing Date: 31-10-2025
Hours per week: 14
Vacancy Description
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.
Benefits
- 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 Overview
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
- Preparing, cooking and presenting food to the correct spec
- Operating kitchen workstations, 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.
Inclusive Working Environment
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.
Further Information
Read more about our kitchen associate role.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Part‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Hospitality
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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 Wetherspoon, whether it's during a phone call or in person, 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 menu and the types of food they serve. This will not only help you during interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and what the team looks for in a candidate, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work under pressure. Kitchen environments can be fast-paced, so sharing examples of how you've handled stressful situations in the past can demonstrate your suitability for the role.
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 are excited about working in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy being part of a team.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if you lack direct kitchen experience, highlight any relevant skills such as teamwork, time management, or customer service. These qualities are essential in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the kitchen staff role. Emphasise any previous roles that required you to work under pressure or in a team, even if they were in different industries.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your personality and willingness to learn. Mention your availability and flexibility with shifts, as this is important for the role.
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 is looking for fun and enthusiastic individuals, so let your excitement shine through during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in teamwork. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals, even if it's from previous jobs or school projects.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
As no prior experience is required, emphasise your eagerness to learn new skills. Mention any relevant training or courses you’ve taken, or simply express your openness to receiving on-the-job training.
✨Prepare for Common Kitchen Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face in a busy kitchen, such as handling pressure or managing time effectively. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations, showcasing your calmness under pressure.