Looking for a flexible part-time job where you can develop practical skills, meet new people and become part of an established hospitality business? J D Wetherspoon recruits bar and kitchen staff for pubs across the UK, with opportunities suitable for students and those beginning their careers. Depending on the vacancy, you could serve customers, prepare drinks or work behind the scenes in the kitchen. You’ll receive paid training and support to build your confidence, with opportunities to progress as you gain experience.
About J D Wetherspoon
J D Wetherspoon is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading pub operators. Since opening its first pub in Muswell Hill, London, in 1979, the company has grown to more than 850 pubs and hotels supported by over 40,000 employees.
Its pubs operate in high streets and local communities, serving customers throughout the day. The company invests in its people through structured training, employee rewards and development routes into team leader, shift leader and management positions.
The Role
Bar and kitchen opportunities vary by pub, but each role contributes to delivering an efficient and welcoming experience for customers. You could work behind the bar, support customers on the floor or help prepare and present food in the kitchen.
You’ll be trained for your responsibilities and paid for the time you spend completing training. As your knowledge and confidence develop, you may also have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and work towards more senior positions.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming customers and providing friendly, efficient service.
- Preparing and serving drinks, including coffee, soft drinks and cocktails.
- Taking and managing orders placed in person or through the Wetherspoon app.
- Preparing, cooking and presenting food in line with the pub’s standards.
- Keeping bar, floor or kitchen areas clean, organised and safe.
- Following food hygiene, health and safety procedures throughout each shift.
- Supporting colleagues and helping the team manage busy service periods.
Company Culture
Wetherspoon aims to provide a safe, friendly and supportive working environment. Teamwork is central to how its pubs operate, with colleagues expected to communicate clearly, treat one another respectfully and help maintain consistent standards.
The company supports internal development through practical training and structured progression. Many employees begin in hourly paid pub roles before moving into team leader, shift leader or management positions.
Benefits and Perks
- Pay for every minute worked, including time spent completing training.
- Weekly pay for hourly paid employees.
- Enhanced hourly rates for work completed between midnight and 5.59am.
- A complimentary meal during each shift.
- Employee discounts to use outside working hours.
- Structured training and opportunities for career progression.
- Potential service-related increases in pay and holiday entitlement.
- Access to company pension and employee reward schemes, subject to eligibility.
- Guaranteed-hours contracts for most hourly paid employees.
Requirements
To be considered for a bar or kitchen position, you should have:
- A friendly, approachable manner and a positive attitude.
- A willingness to learn and contribute as part of a team.
- Good communication skills when working with customers and colleagues.
- The ability to organise tasks and remain calm in a busy environment.
- A reliable and respectful approach to work.
- A fixed place of residence within reasonable travelling distance of the pub.
Previous hospitality, kitchen or customer service experience may be helpful, but it is not essential, as training is provided. Individual vacancies may require availability during evenings, weekends or other busy trading periods.
Click Apply Now and you’ll be taken directly to the J D Wetherspoon careers site. From there, you can search for current bar and kitchen vacancies near you, review the hours and pay offered by each pub, and complete your application directly with Wetherspoon.
