Kitchen staff

J D Wetherspoon; Colchester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meal on shift

20% discount on food/drink/hotel

Bonus progression/training

Paid holidays

Job summary

J D Wetherspoon’s The Playhouse in Colchester is hiring Kitchen staff to join a busy team. No experience is required; a good attitude, willingness to learn and staying calm under pressure are valued.

We offer a competitive £12.91 per hour, a flexible shift pattern, and benefits including a free meal and drink on shift, 20% discount on food, drinks and hotel stays for you and up to three guests, and progression opportunities through training and apprenticeships.

Qualifications

• No experience required; good attitude and willingness to learn.
• UK Top Employer with award-winning training programme.
• Long-term career or extra shifts possible.
• Reliable, friendly and team-oriented candidates fit the role.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and presenting food to the correct spec.
• Operating kitchen work stations (grills, fryers, microwaves, etc.).
• Working as a team to meet time and quality targets.
• Following food hygiene and allergen, safety standards.
• Cleaning as you go and during full kitchen clean-downs.
• Rotating stock and storing food safely.
• Completing required induction and ongoing refresher training.

Skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Calm under pressure

Job description

Job Ref 662973

Job Title Kitchen staff

Pub The Playhouse, Colchester

Salary £12.91

Closing Date 01-09-2026

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.

• 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 25

Monday Hours Flexible Flexible

Tuesday Hours Flexible Flexible

Wednesday Hours Flexible Flexible

Thursday Hours Flexible Flexible

Friday Hours Flexible Flexible

Saturday Hours Flexible Flexible

Sunday Hours Flexible Flexible