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 UK Top 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 bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career advancement.
Job Ref
645980
Job Title
Kitchen staff
Pub
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Salary
£12.41
Closing Date
05-02-2026
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.
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
The role
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
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.
If a high number of applications is received, this vacancy may close early.
Read more about our kitchen associate role
Hours Per Week
20
Schedule
Flexible
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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 menu and the types of food served at J D Wetherspoon. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you engage in meaningful conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your teamwork skills. Since this role involves working closely with others, think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with a team, even if it was in a different context.
✨Tip Number 4
Ask questions about the training programme during your interactions. This not only shows your eagerness to learn but also gives you insight into how the company supports its staff, which is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm: In your application, express your passion for working in a kitchen environment. Highlight your willingness to learn and your ability to work well under pressure, as these are key traits the employer is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your reliability, teamwork, and customer service abilities. Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to convey your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Mention why you want to work at J D Wetherspoon specifically and how you align with their values of teamwork and inclusivity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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 individuals, so let your personality 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.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Be ready to answer questions about food hygiene, safety standards, and how you would handle pressure in a busy kitchen. Familiarising yourself with these topics will show that you're serious about the role.