Kitchen staff

J D Wetherspoon; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal provided while on shift

Staff discount 20% on food/drink/hotel

£1 extra/hour for late-night hours

Bonus scheme up to 19% of pay

Guaranteed/variable hours contracts

Paid holidays

Free shares after qualifying period

Loyalty rewards

Job summary

The Golden Lion in Newmarket is hiring kitchen staff. Join a fast-paced team to prepare and cook food, maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety, and support efficient service. No prior experience required; training is provided by a UK Top Employer with award-winning programmes.

We offer flexible shifts, a competitive hourly rate of £12.91 (with night premiums where applicable), paid holiday, and staff discounts. Apply now to start a rewarding kitchen career with J D Wetherspoon.

Qualifications

• No experience required, positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Reliable and friendly team player, capable under pressure.
• Interest in developing in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present food to correct spec.
• Operate kitchen stations (grills, fryers, microwaves).
• Work as a team to hit time and quality targets.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen, health and safety standards.

Job description

Job Ref

666634

Job Title

Kitchen staff

Pub

The Golden Lion, Newmarket

Salary

£12.91

Closing Date

17-10-2026

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.

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.

Read more about our kitchen associate role

Hours Per Week

30

Monday Hours

Flexible

Tuesday Hours

Flexible

Wednesday Hours

Flexible

Thursday Hours

Flexible

Friday Hours

Flexible

Saturday Hours

Flexible

Sunday Hours

Flexible