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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: The Golden Lion is a UK Top Employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and a bonus scheme.
- 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.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career development.
Overview
Job Ref 646000
Job Title Kitchen staff
Pub The Golden Lion, Rochester
Salary £12.41
Closing Date 06-02-2026
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.
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
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
Typical Hours
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 apply for the Kitchen Staff position, make sure to convey your passion for food and teamwork. A positive attitude can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your willingness to learn. Since no experience is needed, emphasise your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. This will resonate well with our training-focused approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work under pressure. In a busy kitchen, staying calm and efficient is key. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed stress or tight deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with our values and culture. Understanding what makes us a top employer will help you align your responses during any interviews. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can grow and contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what The Golden Lion is looking for in a kitchen staff member. Highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and ability to work under pressure in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Even if you have no prior experience, emphasise any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your reliability, friendliness, and teamwork abilities. Make sure your CV is clear, concise, and well-structured.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your eagerness to learn. Mention why you want to work at The Golden Lion and how you align with their values of teamwork and customer service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in the hospitality industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
The kitchen staff role at The Golden Lion values passion and a positive attitude. Make sure to express your excitement about the opportunity and your willingness to learn during the interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this position requires working as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles or experiences, even if they are not directly related to the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate a Calm Head Under Pressure
Working in a kitchen can be fast-paced and stressful. Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure and maintain quality standards, perhaps by sharing a relevant story from your past.
✨Ask About Training Opportunities
The Golden Lion offers an award-winning training programme. Show your interest in personal development by asking questions about the training and progression opportunities available within the company.
