Kitchen assistant

J D Wetherspoon; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A popular pub chain in Chester-le-Street is seeking enthusiastic individuals for the Kitchen Assistant position. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for a flexible job with the chance for career development. Responsibilities include preparing and presenting food, maintaining kitchen standards, and working effectively as part of a team. Enjoy competitive pay, free meals during shifts, and bonuses for your hard work.

Benefits

Competitive rate of pay

Free meal and drink when working

20% discount on food and drinks

Bonus scheme

Paid holiday

Opportunity for guaranteed-hours contracts

Free shares after qualifying period

Qualifications

• Good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work flexible hours including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present food to the correct specifications.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen.
• Work as part of the team to meet quality targets.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Food hygiene knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Job Ref

641549

Job Title

Kitchen assistant

Pub

The Wicket Gate, Chester Le Street

Salary

£12.41

Closing Date

12-11-2025

Hours Per Week

12

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

Inclusive working environment

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.

Read more about our kitchen associate role