The United Kingdom’s hospitality industry continues to face labor shortages, especially in the restaurant and food service sectors. As a result, UK employers are increasingly turning to foreign workers to fill critical roles some of which may come with visa sponsorship opportunities.
If you’re a skilled or experienced hospitality worker looking to build a career abroad, the UK could be a promising destination.
This guide explores restaurant job opportunities in the UK for foreign nationals, including roles that may offer visa sponsorship, typical duties, and average salaries.
Check Also: Store Assistant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Job Details:
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Sector | Hospitality / Restaurant |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes (Employer-dependent) |
| Education Required | Minimum High School Diploma |
| Experience Required | 2–3 Years (preferred) |
| Salary Range | Starting from £20 per hour |
| Age Limit | 20–45 years |
| Eligible Applicants | All Nationalities |
Demand of Restaurant Jobs in UK:
Working in a UK restaurant offers many benefits, including competitive hourly wages, international experience, and the possibility of long-term career growth. While not all employers offer visa sponsorship, those facing persistent labor shortages such as large chains or hotel restaurants may sponsor international candidates who meet eligibility criteria under the UK Skilled Worker visa.
Types of Restaurant Jobs:
Here is a list of common restaurant roles in the UK, along with their responsibilities and average national salaries (based on data from Glassdoor UK and other job platforms).
Server
- Average Salary: £23,318 per year
- Duties:
- Take food and drink orders
- Serve meals and assist with customer requests
- Handle billing and process payments
- Provide menu recommendations
Chef
- Average Salary: £24,262 per year
- Duties:
- Prepare and cook meals according to recipes
- Plan menus and maintain kitchen inventory
- Train junior kitchen staff
- Ensure food safety and hygiene standards
Cook
- Average Salary: £18,255 per year
- Duties:
- Assist with food prep and cooking
- Maintain cleanliness in kitchen areas
- Follow safety and hygiene protocols
- Monitor stock levels
Dishwasher
- Average Salary: £19,500–£22,000 per year
- Duties:
- Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen surfaces
- Support chefs with food prep
- Dispose of waste and sanitize kitchen tools
Host/hostess
- Average Salary: £21,150 per year
- Duties:
- Greet and seat guests
- Manage reservations and waiting lists
- Answer customer queries
- Coordinate with servers during peak hours
Bartender
- Average Salary: £23,191 per year
- Duties:
- Mix and serve drinks
- Handle cash and card payments
- Maintain stock of bar supplies
- Provide excellent customer service
Barista
- Average Salary: £20,646 per year
- Duties:
- Prepare coffee and other beverages
- Serve snacks or light meals
- Maintain a clean workstation
- Engage with customers and handle payments
Cashier
- Average Salary: £22,541 per year
- Duties:
- Process orders and transactions
- Issue receipts and manage tills
- Assist in packing takeaway orders
- Answer customer queries and complaints
Bussers
- Average Salary: £19,632–£23,530 per year
- Duties:
- Clear and reset tables
- Assist servers during busy periods
- Refill water and condiments
- Ensure cleanliness in dining areas
Eatery manager
- Average Salary: £29,195 per year
- Duties:
- Hire and train staff
- Supervise daily operations
- Monitor customer satisfaction
- Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations
Sommelier
- Average Salary: £30,219 per year
- Duties:
- Recommend wine pairings
- Manage the restaurant’s wine list
- Organize tastings and train staff
- Liaise with suppliers and customers
Takeaway counter staff
- Average Salary: £19,701 per year
- Duties:
- Take customer orders at counters or drive-thrus
- Process payments and deliver food orders
- Maintain food quality and cleanliness
- Answer questions about the menu
Visa Sponsorship:
Not all restaurant roles are eligible for visa sponsorship. To qualify under the Skilled Worker Visa scheme:
- The employer must be a licensed UK sponsor.
- The job must meet minimum salary and skill level requirements.
- The worker may need English language proficiency and specific experience.
Roles more likely to qualify for sponsorship:
- Chef (especially specialist chefs)
- Restaurant Manager
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
Roles less likely to qualify for sponsorship:
- Cashier
- Busser
- Dishwasher
You can check if a job qualifies for sponsorship by reviewing the UK Shortage Occupation List and confirming the employer is listed on the UK Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors.
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary:
- Many roles offer hourly wages starting from £10.50 to £20 or more, depending on experience and location.
- Visa Sponsorship:
- Eligible applicants can receive sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Visa program.
- Work Experience in a Global Market:
- Gain valuable international experience in the UK’s diverse hospitality industry.
- Free or Subsidized Meals:
- Many restaurants offer staff meals during shifts.
- Accommodation Support:
- Some employers provide free or low-cost housing for sponsored workers.
- Permanent Residency Pathway:
- Sponsored work can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually UK citizenship.
- Employee Discounts:
- Discounts on food and beverages at the workplace or affiliated brands.
- Paid Holidays and Sick Leave:
- Full-time employees are entitled to at least 28 paid holiday days annually.
- Career Growth:
- Opportunities to advance to senior positions like Sous Chef, Head Chef, or Restaurant Manager.
- Cultural Exposure:
- Work in a multicultural environment and improve your English language skills.
Where to Find Restaurant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025?
Here are reliable platforms to search for hospitality jobs that offer sponsorship:
- Find a Job – GOV.UK
- Indeed UK
- Caterer.com
- HCareers
- UK Visa Sponsorship Employers List
Additional Information:
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and certifications.
- Apply early visa processes can take time.
- Research the employer to confirm they are eligible to sponsor work visas.
- Prepare for interviews with knowledge of UK hospitality standards and health/safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do UK employers provide accommodation for sponsored workers?
Some employers, especially large chains or hospitality groups, may offer free or subsidized accommodation. This benefit varies by employer and location and should be confirmed during the hiring process.
What type of UK visa is required for restaurant jobs with sponsorship?
The most common visa is the Skilled Worker Visa, which allows foreign workers to take up jobs in eligible occupations with an approved sponsor.
Can foreigners apply for restaurant jobs in the UK?
Yes, foreigners can apply for restaurant jobs in the UK. However, to work legally, you must either have the right to work in the UK or secure a job offer from a licensed employer willing to sponsor a work visa.
