For individuals passionate about cooking, customer service, and hospitality, restaurant jobs in UK offer excellent career opportunities. Due to ongoing staff shortages in the hospitality sector, many UK restaurants are actively hiring foreign workers, particularly for skilled roles such as chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers with hourly wage of £20
With licensed employers able to sponsor Skilled Worker Visas, international candidates can legally work, earn competitive wages, and build long-term careers in the UK’s vibrant food and hospitality industry
Types of Restaurant Jobs Available in UK
The UK hospitality sector offers a wide range of roles depending on skills and experience.
1. Chefs & Line Cooks (Visa Sponsorship Available)
- Prepare and cook meals according to menus
- Maintain food quality, hygiene, and presentation
- Skilled roles such as Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, and Chef de Partie are commonly sponsored
2. Restaurant Managers (Visa Sponsorship Available)
- Oversee daily operations and staff
- Ensure customer satisfaction and stock control
- Handle scheduling, budgeting, and compliance
3. Kitchen Assistants (Limited Sponsorship)
- Assist chefs with food prep and cleaning
- Entry-level role (rarely sponsored unless progressing to skilled positions)
4. Waitstaff & Servers (Usually Not Sponsored)
- Take orders, serve food, and assist customers
- Generally filled by local or student workers
5. Baristas & Bartenders (Rare Sponsorship)
- Prepare beverages and manage bar service
- Sponsorship is uncommon unless classified as skilled hospitality roles
Salary Expectations for Restaurant Jobs in UK
Salaries vary by role, experience, and location.
Entry-Level Roles
- Kitchen assistants/servers: £10.50 – £13 per hour
- Tips and service charges may increase earnings
Skilled & Sponsored Roles
- Chefs & line cooks: £26,000 – £38,000 per year
- Restaurant managers: £30,000 – £45,000 per year
- Equivalent hourly rate: £14 – £22+
Key Responsibilities in UK Restaurant Jobs
Food & Beverage Preparation
- Follow recipes and hygiene standards
- Ensure food quality before serving
Customer Service
- Take orders and respond to customer inquiries
- Maintain a welcoming dining experience
Cleanliness & Hygiene
- Follow UK Food Safety & Hygiene Regulations
- Maintain clean kitchens, dining areas, and equipment
Teamwork
- Coordinate with chefs, servers, and management
- Assist during peak service hours
Payments & POS Handling
- Process cash and card payments accurately
- Handle refunds or adjustments when needed
Job Requirements for Restaurant Jobs in UK
Experience
- Required for chef and managerial roles
- Entry-level roles may provide training
Culinary Skills (For Chefs)
- Food preparation and kitchen safety knowledge
- Culinary certificates preferred for senior roles
Language Skills
- Basic to intermediate English proficiency required
Food Safety Knowledge
- Understanding of UK hygiene and safety standards
Visa Eligibility
- Must qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa
- The employer must hold a UK Sponsorship License.
Benefits of Restaurant Jobs in UK (Visa Sponsored)
1. Visa Sponsorship
- Legal right to live and work in UK
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
2. Competitive Pay
- Stable income with overtime and tips
- Annual salary increases with experience
3. Meals & Discounts
- Free or discounted meals during shifts
4. Accommodation Support
- Some employers offer staff housing or assistance
5. Career Growth
- Promotion from junior chef to senior roles
- NVQ qualifications and on-the-job training
6. Work-Life Balance
- Shift-based schedules
- Full-time and flexible hours available
7. Legal Employment Protections
- Paid holidays, sick leave, pension contributions
- Safe and regulated work environment
8. Multicultural Experience
- Work with international teams
- Improve English and global hospitality skills
UK Visa Requirements for Restaurant Workers
Suitable Visa Type
Skilled Worker Visa (Employer Sponsored)
Eligible roles include:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Restaurant Managers
Lower-skilled roles (waiters, kitchen helpers) are rarely sponsored.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Job offer from licensed UK sponsor
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Minimum salary:
- Usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour
- Lower threshold may apply for shortage occupations
- English language proof (IELTS UKVI or equivalent)
- Valid passport
Required Documents
- Passport
- Job offer & CoS reference
- English test certificate
- Bank statement (£1,270 maintenance funds if required)
- TB test (for certain countries)
- Police clearance (if requested)
Application Process
- Find a UK restaurant with a sponsorship license.
- Apply and attend an interview.
- Receive job offer
- Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship
- Apply online for Skilled Worker Visa
- Attend biometric appointment
- Receive visa decision (3–8 weeks)
Visa Validity & Settlement
- Visa valid up to 5 years
- Renewable
- Eligible for Permanent Residence (ILR) after 5 years
- Can later apply for British citizenship
Conclusion
Restaurant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship offer a realistic and rewarding pathway for skilled hospitality professionals. While sponsorship mainly applies to chefs and management roles, successful applicants enjoy competitive salaries, legal employment, and long-term settlement opportunities.
If you have hospitality skills and the ambition to work in UK, now is the right time to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurant jobs are eligible for visa sponsorship in UK?
Primarily chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers under the Skilled Worker Visa.
Do I need experience?
Yes, for sponsored roles. Entry-level roles usually do not qualify for sponsorship.
