Restaurant and Hospitality Jobs. The restaurant and hospitality industry continues to be one of the most active job markets in the country. Whether you’re looking to work in a bustling city like London or a scenic town in the countryside, there are countless opportunities for those with the right attitude and skill set.
High-Demand Areas for Restaurant and Hotel Staff
Some of the most active regions for hospitality hiring include:
- London – With its endless flow of tourists and business travellers, London offers thousands of roles in restaurants, cafés, pubs, and hotels.
- Manchester and Birmingham – Both cities are rapidly growing hubs for food and leisure, which means more jobs in both casual dining and upscale venues.
- Coastal Towns like Brighton, Bournemouth, and Cornwall are booming during tourist seasons and frequently seek seasonal staff for hotels, restaurants, and bars.
- Edinburgh and Glasgow – Scotland’s cities are known for both traditional and fine dining, making them attractive for chefs and hospitality managers alike.
If you’re aiming to find opportunities today, it’s worth checking reliable platforms like Caterer and Indeed UK for live postings.
How Much Can You Earn in This Sector?
Salaries in hospitality can vary widely depending on role, experience, and location, but there are clear patterns to consider when setting expectations or negotiating an offer.
Average Salaries by Role
- Waiters and Waitresses: Entry-level positions typically start at around £10.50/hour, but tips in busy restaurants can significantly boost that total.
- Chefs: Commis chefs might begin at £22,000 per year, while experienced head chefs can earn anywhere from £35,000 to £60,000+, especially in central London or prestigious restaurants.
- Hotel Receptionists: Wages generally range from £21,000 to £28,000 annually, with additional perks like staff meals or discounted stays.
- Hospitality Managers: These positions command higher salaries—averaging £40,000 to £50,000, often including bonuses and benefits.
Perks Beyond the Payslip
Many jobs also come with attractive extras, such as:
- Free or discounted meals during shifts
- Accommodation options, especially for seasonal hotel roles
- Tips and service charges distributed among staff
- Staff training and development courses
- Discounted rates for hotel stays and partner restaurants
In a sector that thrives on service quality, employers are increasingly offering incentives to retain skilled staff.
How to Apply and Get Hired Quickly
It’s not enough to send a CV—you need to stand out. Here’s how to improve your chances:
Make Your CV Shine
Focus on your soft skills (like communication, multitasking, time management) and make sure to include:
- Previous customer-facing experience
- Ability to work under pressure or in high-volume settings
- Specific systems knowledge (e.g., POS systems, booking tools)
If you’ve worked in a well-known chain or hospitality group before, highlight that—brand recognition helps.
Apply on the Right Platforms
While large platforms like Totaljobs and Reed are helpful, some hospitality-specific portals are more targeted, like:
- LeisureJobs
- Barzone – great for pub and bar staff
- Hotel Jobs UK
Also, walk-ins still work—especially in busy restaurants and hotels. Dress professionally and go at non-peak hours (before lunch or between 3pm and 5pm) to hand in your CV directly.
Consider Recruitment Agencies
Specialist agencies like Adia, Blue Arrow, and Off to Work have strong links with hotel chains and catering groups. They often have urgent roles to fill, sometimes even same-day jobs.
What Qualifications and Skills Are Most Valued?
Although many roles in the hospitality sector don’t require formal education, practical skills and certifications can make a massive difference when competing for better-paying or leadership roles.
Must-Have Skills to Succeed
Here are the most sought-after skills by employers in the hospitality field:
- Excellent communication: Whether you’re on the restaurant floor or at a hotel front desk, being clear and friendly is essential.
- Multitasking: You may need to handle several tasks at once without losing efficiency.
- Teamwork: Kitchens and hotel teams rely heavily on collaboration—no one works alone.
- Problem-solving: When a customer complains or a system breaks down, quick thinking is key.
- Attention to detail: Particularly important in fine dining or when handling bookings and room assignments.
Certifications That Can Set You Apart
While not always mandatory, these certifications give you a serious edge:
- Food Safety Level 2 – For anyone handling food. Many employers require this by default.
- Allergen Awareness Certificate – Especially important when working in kitchens or serving food.
- Personal Licence – Necessary if you’re applying for supervisor or managerial roles in venues serving alcohol.
- First Aid at Work – Highly valued in supervisory or team leader positions.
Courses for these certifications are widely available online. For reliable training, check High Speed Training or Virtual College.
How to Move Up the Hospitality Career Ladder
One of the most attractive features of the restaurant and hospitality industry is career mobility. Many general managers, executive chefs, and hotel directors started in entry-level roles.
From Entry-Level to Management
Here’s a simplified path many professionals follow:
- Kitchen Porter → Commis Chef → Sous Chef → Head Chef
- Waiter/Waitress → Shift Leader → Assistant Manager → General Manager
- Receptionist → Front Office Supervisor → Hotel Operations Manager
Getting promoted is very much linked to on-the-job performance and reliability. But to accelerate the process, here’s what you can do:
- Ask for more responsibilities during your shift—showing initiative goes a long way.
- Request internal training, which most larger hotel groups and restaurant chains offer.
- Stay consistent and punctual—this industry rewards loyalty and dependability.
Companies Known for Career Progression
Some employers in the country are particularly known for investing in staff development:
- Mitchells & Butlers (brands include All Bar One, Harvester, Miller & Carter) – Offers structured career pathways from floor staff to area manager.
- Marriott Hotels – Globally recognised for promoting from within, including staff exchange programmes.
- Nando’s – Famous for nurturing talent internally with step-by-step progression plans.
- Wetherspoon – Offers apprenticeships and fast-tracked management roles.
If long-term growth matters to you, applying to one of these companies can give you a stable roadmap forward.
Which Roles Are Hiring the Fastest Right Now?
Based on recent trends and recruitment data, these are the most actively recruited roles in hospitality today:
Top Vacancies to Apply For
- Front of House Staff – Restaurants, bars, and cafes need friendly, quick, and presentable staff for peak hours.
- Chefs (all levels) – There is a persistent shortage, especially for chefs de partie and sous chefs.
- Baristas and Bartenders – Chain coffee shops and pubs are constantly looking for staff with energy and experience.
- Hotel Cleaners and Housekeepers – Often overlooked but in very high demand in both city and resort locations.
- Night Porters and Receptionists – Hotels looking for reliable night-shift workers often offer better pay rates and bonuses.
Many of these roles are available for immediate start, especially through temp agencies or seasonal contracts.
How to Stand Out in a Highly Competitive Hospitality Market
With thousands of candidates applying for similar roles, the key question becomes: how do you stand out? Employers are not just looking for someone who can take orders—they want someone who enhances the team and the customer experience.
Focus on Soft Skills That Matter Most
Hiring managers consistently say that personality and attitude can outweigh experience. Here are the top qualities they value:
- Reliability – Showing up on time and every shift matters more than anything.
- Positivity – A good attitude can turn a stressful shift into a great one.
- Team spirit – Working well with others is essential during busy hours.
- Adaptability – Being able to switch roles or cover tasks as needed.
Make sure these traits are clear during your interview and even on your CV summary.
Add Certifications That Give You an Edge
A few affordable and fast certifications can move your CV to the top of the pile:
- Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering – Highly requested for kitchen roles. You can get certified online in a few hours at High Speed Training.
- Allergen Awareness Certificate – Required in many restaurants.
- Customer Service Level 2 Certificate – Helpful for front-of-house roles.
- First Aid at Work – Highly valued in hotel environments.
Many of these courses are low-cost or even funded through Jobcentre Plus or local councils.
Career Progression: What Comes After Entry-Level Roles?
Hospitality offers quick career advancement for those who are committed and perform well. If you’re starting as a waiter or kitchen assistant, it doesn’t take long to move up.
Typical Career Paths
- Waiter → Supervisor → Restaurant Manager
- Kitchen Porter → Commis Chef → Sous Chef → Head Chef
- Barback → Bartender → Bar Manager
These promotions often happen within 12–24 months, especially in high-turnover or expanding chains.
Some employers, like Mitchells & Butlers, offer in-house training programmes that help staff move into management faster.
💡 Tip: Tell your interviewer that you’re eager to grow with the company—it signals commitment and increases your chances of getting hired.
Extra Tips: What Else Can Give You an Advantage?
Here are some additional hacks to boost your hiring potential and make the process smoother:
Build a Hospitality-Focused LinkedIn Profile
Even for front-of-house or kitchen roles, a basic LinkedIn profile shows you’re serious and professional. Add:
- A smiling profile photo
- Brief summary with your key skills
- Past roles and certifications
Employers increasingly check social media before interviews, so keep it clean and work-related.
Get a Flexible Side Role First
If you’re struggling to get full-time hours, apps like Stint and Indeed Flex offer instant shift work. It’s a great way to build references and get your foot in the door with top employers.
Visit in Person (When Appropriate)
Many smaller restaurants, cafés, and pubs still prefer hiring walk-ins. Drop by during quiet hours with a smile and a printed CV. It shows initiative and confidence.
Final Thoughts
The restaurant and hospitality industry is one of the most dynamic job sectors in the country, full of opportunity, flexibility, and room for growth. Whether you’re starting fresh, returning to work, or looking for your next step, there’s a role out there for you.
Keep your CV sharp, show your enthusiasm during interviews, stay open to training, and apply consistently. The effort pays off faster than you think.
