At a Glance
- Tasks: Cook at exciting venues like stadiums, festivals, and hotels while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Mint People, a leading hospitality staffing agency with 19 years of experience.
- Benefits: Earn £18–£25 per hour, choose your shifts, and enjoy flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Immediate starts available with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Experience diverse culinary environments and gain valuable skills while earning competitive pay.
- Qualifications: Previous chef experience and good food hygiene knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 25 £ per hour.
Relief Chefs £18.00–£25.00 per hour | Flexible shifts | Regular work | Immediate starts
One week you could be cooking at a Premier League stadium. The next, a racecourse, a festival, a boutique hotel or a corporate kitchen. No two weeks look the same.
Mint People are looking for experienced Relief Chefs of all levels to join our growing team - with regular opportunities. We're hiring Chefs de Partie, Sous Chefs, Head Chefs and Lead Chefs, with rates of £18–£25 per hour depending on the role, venue and assignment.
You tell us when you're available, and we'll offer you shifts that fit. Want five shifts one week and none the next? Regular ongoing hours? Extra chef work alongside your current job? That's exactly how Mint works.
Why work with Mint People?
- £18–£25 per hour, depending on role and assignment
- Choose PAYE or self-employed — whatever works for you
- Regular relief shifts, plus longer-term assignments
- Immediate starts
- Work built around your availability — daytime, evenings and weekends
- Huge variety of venues and events
- View shifts and manage your availability from your phone
- Real routes to progress into senior, higher-paid chef roles
Where you could be working
- Football stadiums and major sporting venues
- Racecourses
- Festivals and live events
- Hotels and restaurants
- Corporate and workplace catering
- Universities and education
- Private hospitality and events
- Contract catering sites
What you'll be doing
Your responsibilities depend on your level - from running a section as a Chef de Partie through to leading a brigade and service as a Sous, Lead or Head Chef. Typical duties include:
- Preparing, cooking and presenting food to a high standard
- Running a section during service
- Leading or supporting kitchen brigades
- Delivering busy hospitality and event services
- Maintaining excellent food hygiene and allergen standards
- Supporting permanent teams through busy periods
- Managing stock, wastage and kitchen organisation
What we're looking for
We'd love to hear from experienced Chefs de Partie, Sous Chefs, Head Chefs, Lead Chefs, Event Chefs and Contract Catering Chefs. You'll need:
- Previous experience at the level you want to work at
- Good food hygiene and allergen knowledge
- The confidence to adapt quickly to new kitchens and teams
- Reliability, professionalism and a calm head in a busy service
- A driving licence and access to a car are helpful but not essential - many assignments are easily reached by public transport.
About Mint People
For over 19 years, Mint People has provided hospitality and event staffing across the UK - from some of the country's biggest stadiums and racecourses to festivals, hotels and contract catering operations. We're not recruiting for one kitchen or one fixed rota. We're building a team of great chefs who want genuine variety throughout the year.
Apply today
If you're an experienced chef looking for flexible work, we'd love to hear from you. Earn £18–£25 per hour, choose work around your availability, and get access to some of the region's most exciting venues and events. Apply now and our team will be in touch to talk through your experience, availability and the roles we have available.
Important information: Mint People is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy. Pay rates advertised are indicative and will vary depending on the role, location, shift and level of experience required. The applicable rate of pay will be confirmed before you accept each assignment. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and may be required to provide relevant qualifications and/or compliance documentation before starting work.
Relief Chefs – All Levels | £18–£25 per hour in Leeds employer: Mint People
At Mint People, we pride ourselves on being a premier employer in the luxury hospitality sector, offering our Housekeepers the chance to work in some of the UK's most prestigious 5-star hotels. With competitive pay rates, flexible working opportunities, and a strong focus on career development, we ensure that our team members thrive in an environment where excellence is celebrated. Join us to elevate your career while contributing to unforgettable guest experiences in a supportive and dynamic work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chefs – All Levels | £18–£25 per hour in Leeds
✨Get Hands-On with Local Events
Dive into local food festivals or pop-up markets in your community. This is a fantastic way to meet potential clients and showcase your skills directly. Grab a spot at these events to network, provide samples, and connect with others in the hospitality and food scene.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are goldmines for freelancers in the food service. Share mouth-watering photos of your creations and behind-the-scenes videos to attract attention. Also, use local hashtags to reach customers in your area and get people talking about your work!
✨Join Freelance Food Networks
Hop onto platforms like ChefsFeed or TheChefMarket to connect with others in the freelance food service. These networks often have job boards and can introduce you to clients looking for freelance talents. Plus, engaging with fellow freelancers can lead to referrals and shared opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Work and Skills
Make sure you have a killer portfolio that highlights your best dishes and services. Include client testimonials and before-and-after transformations. Having a strong online presence is crucial, so consider setting up a website or a blog where you can share your culinary journey and attract potential clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chefs – All Levels | £18–£25 per hour in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Culinary Skills & Experience:In the hospitality and food service world, your experience in the kitchen or front of house is crucial. Highlight any relevant roles you’ve had, like stints at restaurants or catering events, and don’t forget to mention any specific cuisines or techniques you excel at!
Include a Tasty Portfolio:As a freelancer, having a portfolio is essential! Include photos of your dishes, catering setups, or any food events you’ve worked on. This gives potential clients a flavour of what you can do and sets you apart from the competition!
Rate Yourself Right:Be upfront about your rates in your application. Clients in the food service industry appreciate transparency. Just make sure your rates reflect your skills and experience—don’t undersell yourself, but stay competitive!
Make a Personal Connection:When applying to Mint People, let your passion for hospitality shine through your cover letter. Maybe share a brief story that highlights why you love working in food service. This personal touch can help us see your potential and commitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mint People
✨Show off your culinary portfolio
When you're freelancing in the hospitality food service, having a solid portfolio is key. Bring along some high-quality photos of your best dishes, along with any reviews or testimonials from past clients. It'll help us visualise your creativity and skill set!
✨Highlight your adaptability
Freelance roles often require us to adjust quickly to different environments and client needs. Be ready to share examples of how you've pivoted in the past, perhaps managing a last-minute menu change or catering for a unique dietary requirement. This will show you're versatile and can handle pressure!
✨Prepare for practical tasks
Expect to face practical assessments during the interview. You might be asked to demonstrate your cooking techniques or create a dish on the spot. Brush up on some popular recipes and be ready to showcase your skills live; it’s a great chance for us to see you in action!
✨Discuss your client interaction style
As a freelancer, client communication is paramount. Be prepared to talk about your approach to client relationships, how you deal with feedback, and handle any difficult situations. This will reassure them that you can maintain professionalism and rapport while delivering great service.