[HIRING NOW🔥] Kitchen Team Jobs in UK🇬🇧 with Visa Sponsorship | Apply Now

You love fast-paced kitchens, great food, and a team that has your back. This is your chance to turn that energy into a UK job with real growth, stable hours, and a clear path from entry-level roles to chef-level positions. PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd is hiring Kitchen Team members across the UK right now and welcomes international candidates with Visa Sponsorship.

Pay ranges from £10 to £20 per hour depending on role and experience. If you bring solid kitchen skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to high standards, you can build a rewarding career in one of the UK’s most established restaurant brands. Apply now for 2026 roles and secure your spot.

Why these roles are in demand

The UK casual dining scene keeps growing, and busy kitchens need reliable people who can prep, cook, plate, and keep service smooth. With high guest volumes and consistent demand through the year, restaurants like PizzaExpress rely on Kitchen Team members to maintain quality and speed. If you’re practical, resilient, and thrive under pressure, you’ll find steady work and strong promotion opportunities here in 2026.

Job overview

What the job involves

• Prep, cook, and finish dishes to brand standards and ticket times.
• Follow recipes precisely to deliver consistent quality for every guest.
• Work station-ready: clean, stocked, and organized throughout service.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards at all times.
• Assist with stock checks, rotation, and placing orders when needed.
• Support teammates with chopping, cleaning, washing, and deep-clean tasks.
• Communicate clearly during busy periods to keep service running smoothly.
• Contribute to a positive, can-do kitchen culture.

Salary and benefits

Kitchen pay is competitive and reflects your experience, location, and role.

• Hourly pay: £10 to £20 per hour depending on position and experience.
• Potential for overtime and performance-based incentives where available.
• Visa Sponsorship for eligible international candidates.
• Training, upskilling, and clear promotion pathways within PizzaExpress.
• Supportive team environment focused on learning and mentorship.
• Employee perks such as paid leave, staff discounts, and wellbeing support.
• Recognition for strong performance and opportunities to step up.

Note: rates can vary by region and site. Always check the specific job listing for the exact pay and benefits offered in 2026.

Requirements and eligibility

• Hands-on kitchen experience is preferred, ideally in a restaurant or fast-paced environment.
• Confidence with core techniques: prep, portioning, cooking, and plating.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to food quality and safety.
• Team player with good communication under pressure.
• Ability to follow set procedures and meet service targets.
• Relevant culinary qualifications are valued but not always essential for entry roles.

Types of Kitchen Team roles in the UK (2026)

1) Kitchen Assistant

• National average pay: £10.50 per hour
• What you do: Support chefs with prep, wash and prep produce, keep stations clean, organize utensils, and maintain flow.
• Experience: 0 to 1 year preferred. On-the-job training available.

2) Commis Chef

• National average pay: £11.20 per hour
• What you do: Prep ingredients, cook basic dishes, and assist senior chefs to deliver menu items on time.
• Experience: 1 to 2 years of culinary or restaurant experience.

3) Line Cook

• National average pay: £12.00 per hour
• What you do: Cook to spec, manage portions, maintain station hygiene, and coordinate with the team during service.
• Experience: 1 to 3 years in professional kitchens preferred.

4) Sous Chef

• National average pay: £15.50 per hour
• What you do: Oversee daily kitchen operations, train junior staff, support the Head Chef, ensure consistency and safety.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years in a professional kitchen.

5) Kitchen Porter

• National average pay: £10.25 per hour
• What you do: Dishwashing, equipment cleaning, and general hygiene to keep the kitchen safe and service-ready.
• Experience: No formal experience required. Training provided.

6) Head Chef

• National average pay: £17.50 per hour
• What you do: Lead the kitchen, plan menus, manage quality and costs, oversee inventory, and coach the team.
• Experience: 5+ years with proven leadership and culinary expertise.

Visa Sponsorship in the UK explained

PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd considers international candidates for eligible kitchen roles. If the site and role qualify and you meet the criteria, the employer can sponsor you to work in the UK.

• Certificate of Sponsorship: For qualifying roles, the company issues a Certificate of Sponsorship that you use in your UK visa application.
• Visa route: Most sponsored applicants use the Skilled Worker route or another eligible pathway depending on role and skill level. Some entry-level roles may not qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship, so always check the specific vacancy.
• Eligibility checks: You must meet the role requirements, English language standards for the selected visa route, and provide supporting documents.
• Costs: Employers provide sponsorship for eligible roles. Some locations may contribute to visa fees or related costs, but this varies by site and contract. Confirm the details on the official listing before you apply.
• Alternatives: If you are not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, consider other UK routes you may already qualify for, such as Youth Mobility Scheme or Graduate route, where applicable to your nationality and situation.

How to apply

1. Prepare your CV: highlight kitchen roles, key skills, food hygiene knowledge, and achievements. Keep it concise and results-focused.
2. Write a short cover letter: explain why you want to join PizzaExpress, your strongest kitchen skills, and your availability in 2026.
3. Visit the careers site: browse current kitchen vacancies and read each job’s responsibilities, pay, shifts, and sponsorship notes. PizzaExpress Careers
4. Apply online: upload your CV and cover letter. Clearly state if you require Visa Sponsorship.
5. Interview and trial: be ready for interviews and, in some cases, a trial shift to demonstrate speed, hygiene, and recipe accuracy.
6. For sponsored roles: if offered a sponsored position, the employer will guide you through the Certificate of Sponsorship and visa application steps.

Tip: If you’re outside the UK, mention your current location, notice period, and earliest start year 2026. Keep your phone and email active for screening calls.

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications are needed for Kitchen Team jobs?

Most roles value practical kitchen experience more than formal certificates. That said, basic food hygiene training and any culinary qualifications will help. Commis, Line Cook, Sous, and Head Chef roles typically expect proven experience, while Kitchen Porter and some Assistant roles offer training on the job.

Are Visa Sponsorships available for international applicants?

Yes, many UK hospitality employers, including PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd, consider eligible international candidates for sponsored roles. Sponsorship depends on the role, location, and your fit with the requirements. Always check the vacancy description for sponsorship availability in 2026.

What salary can Kitchen Team members expect?

Typical pay ranges from £10 to £20 per hour, with national averages by role such as £10.25 for Kitchen Porter, £11.20 for Commis Chef, £12.00 for Line Cook, and higher rates for Sous and Head Chef positions. Final pay depends on site, shift patterns, and your experience.

Is experience required for all roles?

No. Some roles like Kitchen Porter often require no formal experience and provide full training. Other roles such as Commis, Line Cook, and Sous Chef expect 1 to 5+ years of experience.

How long does the Visa Sponsorship process take?

Timelines vary. After a job offer, eligible candidates receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and then apply for the appropriate visa. Processing times can differ by country and season. Apply early and keep your documents ready to avoid delays in 2026.

Ready to apply?

If you want a fast-moving kitchen role with real progression in 2026, this is your moment. Apply for Kitchen Team jobs at PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd, request Visa Sponsorship if you need it, and show what you can bring to the pass. Click through, pick your role, and apply now: PizzaExpress Careers.