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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver excellent customer service and keep our customers happy in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join J D Wetherspoon, 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 develop your skills in hospitality.
- 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: 646695
- Job Title: Kitchen staff
- Pub: The Golden Lion, Newmarket
- Salary: £12.41
- Closing Date: 13-02-2026
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
- 16
- 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 for the role during any interactions. Wetherspoon values personality, so let your passion for hospitality shine through when you speak with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility in working hours. Since the role requires availability at various times, highlighting your willingness to adapt can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Wetherspoon's values and culture. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and customer service will help you align your responses during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any previous experience in hospitality, be ready to share specific examples of how you provided excellent customer service. This can demonstrate your capability and fit for the kitchen staff role.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality: Since J D Wetherspoon recruits for personality, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm and passion in your application. Use a friendly tone and share any relevant experiences that showcase your fun and engaging nature.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise any previous experience in hospitality or customer service, and include specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your excitement about the role. Mention why you want to work at J D Wetherspoon specifically and how you align with their values of inclusivity and excellent customer service.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Wetherspoon is looking for fun and passionate individuals. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role during the interview. Share why you love working in a kitchen environment and how you enjoy making customers happy.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, be prepared to discuss your availability. Mention any previous experience where you adapted to changing schedules or worked late shifts, as this will demonstrate your commitment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
The kitchen staff role is all about working as part of a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past jobs or projects. This will show that you can contribute positively to their hard-working teams.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask. This could be about the training programme or the team culture at Wetherspoon. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and want to learn more about the company.
