The UK hospitality industry continues to experience labour shortages, especially in restaurants, cafes, and fast food chains. As a result, many employers are now open to hiring international talent and offering visa sponsorships.
This guide explores various restaurant jobs available, salary expectations, eligibility for sponsorship, and how to apply.
Job Details:
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Job | Restaurant Jobs |
| Education | Minimum High School Diploma |
| Experience | 2-3 Years |
| Age | 20-45 |
| Who can Apply? | All Nationalities |
| Salary | Minimum £20 Per Hour |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
Work in UK:
The UK’s diverse and multicultural hospitality industry offers excellent job prospects and training opportunities. With the rise in demand for skilled and unskilled staff, it’s an ideal time for foreign workers to explore careers in this sector.
Restaurant Job Salaries:
Here are common job titles and their average annual salaries (as of 2025 estimates):
- Server/Waiter: £23,000 – £26,000
- Restaurant Host/Hostess: £22,000 – £24,000
- Chef/Cook: £28,000 – £35,000
- Kitchen Assistant: £21,000 – £23,000
- Dishwasher: £20,000 – £22,000
- Restaurant Supervisor: £30,000 – £34,000
- Restaurant Manager: £36,000 – £40,000
Note: Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer. Some roles may include tips and bonuses.
Eligibility:
Anyone who meets the job qualifications and language requirements can apply, especially if the employer is a licensed UK visa sponsor.
Basic Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Basic to intermediate English proficiency
- Relevant job experience (depending on role)
- Educational background (optional for many roles)
Visa Sponsorship:
The UK’s Skilled Worker Visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers. Some restaurant-related roles may now be included under the shortage occupation list, particularly chefs.
Key Notes:
- Employer must be a licensed sponsor.
- The job must meet salary thresholds.
- Sponsorship must be mentioned in the job offer.
Job Responsibilities:
Principal responsibilities: As professionals in the restaurant industry, servers provide patrons with food and beverages. They receive orders from customers, turn them over to the kitchen crew, then bring food to serve. In order to ensure that customers have a great dining experience, staff also take care to bring out drinks for them and check on tables. They also help customers with bill payment, redress, change scheduling, and tip and receipt tracking. Additionally, servers upsell patrons on food and beverages and respond to inquiries on restaurant menus.
Cooks’ main responsibilities include preparing and cooking food using chef-made recipes. They provide support to maintain the cooking area organized and aid other chefs in making sure everything functions effectively and efficiently. Cooks also inspect kitchenware and place new orders as needed. In the vicinity, they provide support to maintain kitchen hygiene and follow safety and health protocols to prevent food contamination. There are various types of cooks, such as:
The main responsibilities of barbacks are to assist bartenders during busy times at a restaurant. They make sure bartenders have everything they need, including fresh barrels, wines, clean glasses, and garnishes. In addition, barbacks replenish other supplies, such as napkins, toothpicks, and ashtrays, and clean up spills and broken dish sets. They typically clean glasses and plates during a move and remove trash after one. In addition, barbacks maintain clean barkeep stations at the start of their shift, refill ice wells, and fill plates with lime, lemon, and olives.
Main responsibilities: A barista is a skilled individual who primarily prepares and serves coffee, tea, and other beverages as well as on-site snacks including sandwiches, pastries, and biscuits. They must pay closer attention to greeting customers and receiving their orders. Baristas typically maintain a clean workplace and follow safety and health protocols by cleaning and sterilizing work areas, seating areas, and equipment. Nearby, they examine stock levels to place new orders and learn how to plan for unsold coffee. Additionally, baristas package coffee blends, explain menu items to customers, and ensure their comfort and satisfaction.
The main responsibilities of dishwashers are to clean and dry cookware, dishes, and silverware in restaurants. They comply with the restaurant’s arrangements and manage other back-of-house tasks, like cleaning dishes and sterilizing utensils. In order to maintain health and adhere to security regulations, dishwashers remove trash, clean floors, and carry out other cleaning tasks throughout the restaurant. They frequently help set up tables and gather dirty dishes and utensils from the dining area, placing them in designated cleaning stations.
Cashiers’ main responsibilities include taking orders and collecting payments from customers in restaurants. They receive, manage, and provide receipts for all cash and credit transactions. Cashiers greet and place customers, accept reservations, wrap items for takeout, separate tips for restaurant employees, and maintain open areas. In order to ensure that customers have a delightful and satisfying feasting experience, they also respond to questions, forward orders to the cooking crew, and provide support in understanding customer grievances. When it comes to basic tasks, they assist with cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the staff rooms, and organizing the kitchen.
Bussers’ main responsibilities include cleaning, disinfecting, and resetting tables. When customers finish their feast, they frequently assist waiters and runners in the area in clearing up used plates and utensils. Depending on the manager, the abuser’s proper responsibilities may change, although most bussers replace materials, set tables with silverware, and refill customers’ glasses. Additionally, bussers make sure that restaurants have plenty of the basic mugs, plates, napkins, and flatware. Providing the ideal customer service experience and ensuring that the restaurant stays tidy and orderly are their key responsibilities.
Bartenders’ main responsibilities are to get beverages for customers. They create or copy cocktail recipes, mix and adorn drinks, offer non-alcoholic snacks, and pour lagers. Typically, bartenders take orders, answer inquiries, and help patrons choose from the menu. To ensure that bars are well stocked, they also organize supplies and screen inventories. Bartenders also manage charge, credit, and cash exchanges, making sure that every charge is accurate. To preserve the establishment’s safety and security regulations, they keep their workspace neat and orderly.
Main responsibilities: Runners are professionals that help servers and bartenders advance the eating experience for customers. They clear away used dishes from tables, serve food orders, and set tables. Runners carry out a variety of tasks, such as informing chefs about unusual visitor requests, assisting servers with order taking, and replenishing customers’ water glasses. Additionally, runners assist customers with their orders by outlining the food and beverage options that are available, offering advice, and answering inquiries.
Principal responsibilities: A chef may be knowledgeable about early centecentersa-specific cuisine and all aspects of meal planning. They plan recipes, collect all the necessary ingredients to make meals, and prepare food. Chefs in the area plan menus and create recipes while considering the cost and availability of standard ingredients. When preparing to cook, they also arrange the kitchen with culinary tools and equipment, such as dishes, kitchen scales, and knives. Typically, chefs collaborate with other kitchen employees, teaching them about their duties and the daily specials.
Principal responsibilities: Experts who take customer orders at a drive-thru or takeaway are known as drive-thru administrators or takeaway counter employees. As customers approach the drive-thru window or takeout counter, they greet them, answer their queries, and let them know about any deals available on the menu. In addition, they handle installments, offer clients with installment data, pass over orders and receipts, and, for those who operate at a drive-thru, provide information on where customers can select their orders. They also assist in planning, packaging, and inspecting food items to ensure high-quality customer service.
Principal responsibilities: Restaurant managers hire, manage, and train employees in accordance with the policies and procedures of the establishment. To ensure everything runs smoothly, they are in charge of making personnel schedules and overseeing culinary operations. In order to handle and resolve concerns, restaurant administrators are excessively concerned with updating the menu, asking the kitchen crew for supplies, and getting feedback from customers.
Principal responsibilities: A sommelier may be a highly skilled and knowledgeable wine expert who applies all aspects of wine advantage. They are in charge of serving wine, collaborating with the head chef to create wine matches for a variety of menu items, and making suggestions to guests. In order to properly serve visitors with unique wines, sommeliers maintain wine inventories, arrange wine as needed, and prepare other representations. They work with producers to create wine-tasting events and resume wine determination.
Primary responsibilities: In an establishment, hosts and hostesses are in charge of tending to guests. They greet customers as they enter the restaurant, confirm their bookings, and provide them with precise wait times. In order to provide persuasive management, they also keep an eye on tables and take notes on which ones are occupied, dirty, or clean. They also provide menus, welcome customers to their tables, and answer their inquiries. Additionally, they communicate with employees to provide support during peak hours and typically open and close the restaurant.
How to Find Restaurant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025?
Follow these steps:
- Search Trusted Job Boards:
- Find a Job – GOV.UK
- Indeed UK
- UKHired (specifically for visa sponsorship roles)
- Filter by Visa Sponsorship: Use keywords like “visa sponsorship restaurant jobs.”
- Verify the Employer: Cross-check with the Home Office sponsor list.
- Prepare Documents:
- CV/Resume (UK format)
- Reference letters
- Passport
- Language proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS)
Training and Growth Opportunities:
Many restaurant chains and independent establishments in the UK offer:
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships in hospitality
- Pathways to supervisory or management positions
Conclusion:
Working in the UK restaurant industry can be a rewarding opportunity for foreigners in 2025. With visa sponsorship becoming more common, now is a great time to explore jobs in this sector. Always verify the authenticity of the job and ensure the employer is licensed to sponsor your visa.
Start applying today and take the first step toward your UK hospitality career!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I apply without restaurant experience?
A: Yes, for entry-level roles like kitchen assistants or dishwashers. Experience is preferred but not always required.
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Do all restaurant jobs offer visa sponsorship in the UK?
No, not all restaurant jobs offer visa sponsorship. Only UK employers registered with the Home Office as licensed sponsors can legally sponsor foreign workers for eligible roles.
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Can foreigners apply for restaurant jobs in the UK?
Yes, foreigners can apply for restaurant jobs in the UK if they meet the eligibility requirements and secure a job offer from an employer licensed to sponsor work visas under the UK Skilled Worker visa scheme.