Kitchen staff

Kitchen staff

Ashford Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our kitchen team to deliver excellent customer service and keep our guests happy!
  • Company: The County Hotel is a top UK employer known for its award-winning training programme.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, bonus schemes, and paid holidays.
  • Why this job: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and a chance to grow your career in a fun environment.
  • Qualifications: No specific experience needed; we value personality and enthusiasm above all.
  • Other info: Guaranteed-hours contracts available, plus loyalty rewards and free shares after qualifying.

Overview

Job Ref 646416

Job Title Kitchen staff

Pub Star Light, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4

Salary £15.90

Closing Date 10-02-2026

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 40

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

At The County Hotel in Ashford, we pride ourselves on being a top employer in the UK, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where personality is valued. Our award-winning training programme ensures that all kitchen staff receive the support they need to thrive, alongside competitive pay, flexible hours, and a range of fantastic benefits including discounts and a loyalty reward scheme. Join us to be part of a fun, enthusiastic team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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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 personality during the interview! Since they recruit for personality, be yourself and let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your passion for food and customer service to make a lasting impression.

✨Tip Number 2

Research The County Hotel and Wetherspoon's values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and excellent customer service will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.

✨Tip Number 3

Be prepared to discuss your flexibility. With varied hours and shifts, showing that you can adapt to different schedules will demonstrate your commitment and willingness to contribute to the team.

✨Tip Number 4

Ask insightful questions at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training programme or opportunities for growth within the company. This shows your interest in developing a long-term career with them.

We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff

Customer Service Skills
Teamwork
Time Management
Flexibility
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Food Safety Knowledge
Multitasking
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Positive Attitude
Basic Cooking Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality: Since the company values personality, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm and passion for the role in your application. Use a friendly tone and share any relevant experiences that showcase your character.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the kitchen staff role. Emphasise any previous experience in hospitality or customer service, even if it's informal, as this can set you apart.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your excitement about joining the team. Mention why you want to work at The County Hotel and how you can contribute to their inclusive environment.

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, which is crucial in the hospitality industry.

How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon

✨Show Your Enthusiasm

The kitchen staff role is all about passion and energy. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the job during the interview. Share why you love working in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy making customers happy.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Since this position involves working closely with others, emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Provide examples from previous experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues to achieve a common goal.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility

With varying hours and shifts, it's important to show that you're adaptable. Discuss your availability and willingness to work different shifts, including early mornings and late nights, to meet the needs of the pub.

✨Prepare for Customer Service Scenarios

Customer service is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations with customers, such as dealing with complaints or ensuring a positive dining experience. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and commitment to excellent service.

Kitchen staff
J D Wetherspoon
Location: Ashford
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