Imagine the buzz of a London kitchen, the warm atmosphere of a country pub, or the elegant dining room of a Manchester restaurant. The UK’s culinary landscape is world-renowned, and right now, it’s hungry for talent like yours. Restaurant jobs in UK are not just about work; they are an invitation to become part of a dynamic, fast-paced industry that values skill, passion, and dedication.
For international candidates, this is a golden opportunity. Due to significant workforce shortages, UK restaurants are actively offering visa sponsorship for a wide range of roles, from talented chefs and friendly waitstaff to organised managers.
With competitive hourly wages ranging from £15 to £25 or more, plus potential tips and benefits, these roles provide a solid foundation for building a new life. If you have a passion for food, excellent customer service skills, and a desire to work in a multicultural environment, your next great career move is waiting. This guide will show you exactly how to find and secure a sponsored restaurant job in UK.
Why There is Demand for Restaurant Jobs in UK
Several key factors contribute to the strong demand for staff in the UK’s restaurant sector:
- A Thriving Hospitality and Tourism Sector: The UK, particularly major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, remains a top global destination. This sustains a high volume of restaurants, pubs, and cafes that require a large workforce to operate effectively.
- Shortage of Local Workforce: The hospitality industry often faces challenges in recruiting enough staff locally. This gap has led many restaurants to actively seek international talent, offering visa sponsorship for both skilled and entry-level positions.
- Culinary Diversity and Innovation: The UK’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, with a growing appetite for international cuisines. This creates a specific demand for skilled chefs and specialists with expertise in various culinary traditions.
- Seasonal Peaks and High Volume: Restaurants experience predictable busy periods, such as holidays, summer tourist seasons, and weekends, requiring flexible staffing levels to maintain service quality.
Read Also: Chef Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship For Foreigners
Types of Restaurant Jobs Available in the UK
The restaurant industry offers diverse career paths, from entry-level to highly skilled management roles. Common positions include:
- Chef and Line Cook: Responsible for food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen standards. Specialized roles (e.g., Sous Chef, Pastry Chef) often require formal training.
- Waitstaff (Front-of-House): The face of the restaurant, responsible for customer service, taking orders, and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Kitchen Assistant (Kitchen Porter): Supports the kitchen team with food prep, cleaning, and maintaining hygiene, which is crucial for smooth operations.
- Barista and Bartender: Prepares and serves beverages, requiring product knowledge and excellent customer interaction skills.
- Restaurant Manager: Oversees daily operations, including staff management, customer satisfaction, and financial controls.
Salary Expectations for Restaurant Jobs in the UK
Salaries vary based on role, experience, and location. It is important to note that while some roles may offer £20 per hour, this is typically for experienced or skilled positions, not an average starting wage.
- Entry-Level Positions: Roles like waitstaff and kitchen assistants often start at or near the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, typically ranging from £11 to £15 per hour, with potential for tips or service charges in many establishments.
- Experienced and Skilled Roles: Chefs, bartenders, and managers with proven experience can command higher wages, generally ranging from £15 to £25+ per hour, depending on the restaurant’s prestige and location.
Additional Benefits: Many employers offer benefits such as staff meals, discounts, paid leave, and training programs to attract and retain talent.
Key Responsibilities of Restaurant Staff
While duties vary by role, common responsibilities across the industry include:
- Preparing and serving food and beverages to high standards.
- Delivering exceptional customer service.
- Adhering to strict health, safety, and hygiene protocols.
- Managing inventory and stocking supplies.
- Working effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Handling cash and card transactions accurately (for front-of-house staff).
Requirements for Restaurant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for a role with visa sponsorship, candidates generally need to meet these criteria:
- Relevant Experience: Proven experience in hospitality or customer service is highly beneficial, if not essential.
- Culinary Skills (for Kitchen Roles): Chefs and cooks must demonstrate proficiency in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety. Formal culinary qualifications are often required for skilled chef positions eligible for sponsorship.
- Strong Communication Skills: Essential for interacting with customers and colleagues, especially in front-of-house positions.
- Knowledge of Food Safety: A fundamental understanding of food hygiene, often evidenced by a certificate like a Level 2 Food Safety qualification, is crucial.
- Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility: Candidates must secure a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. The role must meet specific skill and salary thresholds set by the UK government.
Benefits of Restaurant Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
If you manage to get a restaurant job with sponsorship, these are the advantages:
- Legal Right to Work & Protections
You’re working under a valid visa, so labour laws apply: contractual rights, minimum wage, holiday pay, safer working conditions, etc. - Career Advancement / Skills Growth
Many restaurant roles (chef, kitchen management, and restaurant management) provide strong opportunities to gain skills in culinary techniques, people management, hygiene and safety standards, and business/operational know-how. - Possibility of Longer-Term Stay & Settlement
If you get a Skilled Worker visa, you may be able to stay longer (and sometimes aim for Indefinite Leave to Remain) under certain eligibility criteria. Being in a sponsored role helps this path. - Better Pay than Informal Work
Sponsored restaurant jobs often pay more reliably (and possibly above minimum wage, depending on role and experience) than informal/non-sponsored work. Also, full-time contracts often include benefits (overtime, bonuses, etc.). - Employer Support
With a sponsor, some costs associated with the job offer/visa paperwork might be handled by the employer. Also, working for established restaurants or chains gives stability, formal training, etc. - Access to UK Networks & Exposure
By working in UK restaurant industry, you get exposure to high standards, diverse culinary styles, and customer service expectations. The UK is an international hub; experience here can be valuable globally.
Visa/Eligibility Requirements & What’s Changing
Here’s what you need if you want to work in a restaurant job under UK visa sponsorship (Skilled Worker visa or related routes), and what current restrictions exist.
| Requirement / Rule | What You Need or What Has Changed |
|---|---|
| Job must be eligible & on list | Only certain occupations in the restaurant/hospitality sector are eligible. For example: Chefs (SOC code 5434) are eligible. But Cooks (code 5435) are not currently eligible. |
| Employer must be a licensed sponsor | The business must hold a valid UK Sponsor Licence to employ foreign workers under a Skilled Worker Visa |
| Appropriate Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | Your employer must issue you a CoS for the eligible restaurant role. It must have the correct SOC code, job description, salary etc. |
| Meet the Skill Level / Qualification Threshold | Roles must meet a required skill level. As of 22 July 2025, the requirement for many roles is rising to RQF Level 6 (degree equivalent). Lower-skilled roles may no longer be eligible unless they fall under exception (like being on the Temporary Shortage List or had previous Skilled Worker permission) |
| Minimum Salary Requirement | You must be paid at least the greater of the fixed salary threshold or the “going rate” for the job. For many roles, that threshold is at least £41,700/year, depending on the job and employer. There are discounts for “new entrants” (e.g. recent graduates or younger workers) if applicable. |
| English Language Requirement | Must show ability to speak, read, write, understand English (often B1 level) |
| Other visa criteria | Standard checks: criminal record check, valid passport, possibly funds or maintenance (but often the employer takes responsibility for salary, etc.). |
How to Apply for Restaurant Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
International candidates can improve their chances by following these steps:
- Target the Right Employers: Research restaurant groups, hotel chains, and large establishments known for sponsoring visas (e.g., Nando’s, Wagamama, Marriott International).
- Use Specialised Job Portals: Websites like Caterer.com, Hosco, and Indeed.co.uk allow you to filter search results for “visa sponsorship” roles.
- Tailor Your Application: Create a CV and cover letter that highlight your relevant hospitality experience, skills, and enthusiasm for working in the UK.
- Leverage Recruitment Agencies: Agencies specialising in hospitality, such as Blue Arrow or Search Hospitality, can connect you with potential employers.
- Secure the Job Offer First: Visa sponsorship is initiated by the employer. Focus on securing a formal job offer. The employer will then guide you through the Skilled Worker Visa application process.
Conclusion
A restaurant job in the UK is more than a paycheck—it’s a chance to grow professionally in a world-class industry, meet people from all over the world, and build a fulfilling life. The path is clear, the demand is real, and the opportunity is yours for the taking.
Don’t wait. Update your CV, start your search on the recommended job boards, and prepare to bring your talent and passion to the UK’s vibrant tables. Your future in hospitality starts now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a highly skilled chef to get visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. While senior chef roles are common, some restaurant manager and other skilled front-of-house positions may also meet the skill and salary requirements for sponsorship. Always check the specific job listing.
Is the salary enough to live on in UK?
Yes, a salary of £30,960+ per year is designed to provide a reasonable standard of living. Your budget will depend on your location (London is more expensive) and lifestyle.