At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook delicious food while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: Wetherspoon is a UK Top Employer known for its award-winning training programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with potential for guaranteed hours and career development.
- 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.
Job Ref
649799
Job Title
Kitchen staff
Pub
The Talk of the Town, Paignton
Salary
£12.41
Closing Date
24-03-2026
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 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.
Hours Per Week
20
Monday Hours
Flexible
Tuesday Hours
Flexible
Wednesday Hours
Flexible
Thursday Hours
Flexible
Friday Hours
Flexible
Saturday Hours
Flexible
Sunday Hours
Flexible
Kitchen staff in Paignton employer: J D Wetherspoon
At The Talk of the Town in Paignton, we pride ourselves on being a UK Top Employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. With competitive pay, flexible hours, and an award-winning training programme, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether you're seeking a long-term career or just extra shifts. Enjoy fantastic benefits like free meals during shifts, generous discounts, and a loyalty reward scheme, all while working in a supportive environment that encourages you to be your best self.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen staff in Paignton
✨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
Be prepared to demonstrate your willingness to learn. During any interviews or informal chats, mention your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt to the fast-paced kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene and safety standards. Even if you don’t have experience, showing that you understand the importance of these practices can impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and may even refer you, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen staff in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read through the job description carefully to understand what The Talk of the Town is looking for in a kitchen staff member. Highlight key responsibilities and required attributes such as teamwork, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn.
Tailor Your CV:Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in a team, handle pressure, or learn quickly. Make sure your CV is clear, concise, and tailored to the kitchen staff role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work at The Talk of the Town and how your personality aligns with their values. Keep it friendly and engaging.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in any job.
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
The kitchen staff role is all about passion and teamwork. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the job and your willingness to learn during the interview. A positive attitude can go a long way!
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with others, be prepared to discuss your experiences in team settings. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, even if it's from previous jobs or school projects.
✨Demonstrate a Calm Head Under Pressure
Working in a kitchen can be fast-paced and stressful. Be ready to talk about how you handle pressure and any strategies you use to stay calm and focused when things get busy.
✨Ask Questions About Training Opportunities
Wetherspoon offers an award-winning training programme, so show your interest by asking about the training process. This demonstrates your eagerness to develop your skills and grow within the company.
