The UK Restaurant Jobs continues to open its doors to foreign workers seeking restaurant jobs with visa sponsorship, driven by labor shortages in hospitality, tourism, and seasonal industries. As the industry expands in 2025, the demand for both skilled and unskilled workers remains exceptionally high. From bustling cafés to fine-dining restaurants, businesses now rely heavily on global talent to maintain operations, improve customer service, and support growth.

This comprehensive guide explores top restaurant jobs in UK, required responsibilities, national average salaries, and visa sponsorship opportunities for international applicants.

Job Details for UK Restaurant Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

Country: United Kingdom
Job Type: Restaurant & Hospitality
Education Required: Minimum High School Diploma
Experience: 2–3 Years Preferred
Age Limit: 20–45
Who Can Apply: All Nationalities
Salary: Minimum £20 per hour
Visa Sponsorship: Yes

High-Demand Restaurant Jobs in the UK With Salaries & Responsibilities

Below is a complete breakdown of the most in-demand restaurant roles in the United Kingdom, along with average annual salaries and key duties.

Barback – Supporting the Bar’s Daily Operations

National Average Salary: £23,191 per year

Barbacks play a critical role by ensuring bartenders can work efficiently during busy hours. Their duties include:

• Restocking glasses, garnishes, wines, and kegs

• Cleaning spills, clearing broken glassware, and removing waste

• Refilling ice wells and replenishing essential bar supplies

• Keeping bar stations clean and organized

• Assisting with dish cleaning during peak hours

This position is ideal for hardworking candidates seeking experience in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Barista – Crafting Beverages and Serving Guests

National Average Salary: £20,646 per year

A barista prepares premium hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. Responsibilities include:

• Greeting customers and taking orders

• Preparing drinks with excellent presentation

• Packing snacks, sandwiches, and baked goods

• Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and seating areas

• Checking inventory and restocking supplies

• Providing menu explanations and recommendations

A strong customer service mindset and efficiency are key for this role.

Dishwasher – Maintaining Hygiene & Back-of-House Operations

National Average Salary: £37,239 per year

Dishwashers ensure the restaurant runs smoothly by providing clean utensils and equipment. Main duties:

• Washing, drying, and sanitizing all dishware and cookware

• Cleaning kitchen floors, surfaces, and waste areas

• Collecting dirty dishes from dining areas

• Assisting with table setups and other cleaning tasks

• Ensuring hygiene standards are met consistently

This role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and safety.

Cashier – Managing Payments & Customer Interaction

National Average Salary: £22,541 per year

Cashiers handle transactions and act as the first point of customer contact. Core responsibilities:

• Processing payments and issuing receipts

• Greeting guests and taking orders

• Handling reservations and seating guests

• Packaging takeaway orders

• Managing customer complaints professionally

• Supporting kitchen and dining staff when needed

Accuracy and communication skills are vital in this role.

Busser – Ensuring Cleanliness & Smooth Table Turnover

National Average Salary: £19,632 per year

Bussers keep dining areas organized and ready for new guests. Responsibilities:

• Clearing and resetting tables

• Replacing table linens and placing flatware

• Refilling water glasses and supporting servers

• Ensuring napkins, plates, and supplies remain stocked

• Maintaining a clean and pleasant dining environment

Their work improves customer satisfaction and service speed.

Server – Delivering Exceptional Dining Experiences

National Average Salary: £23,318 per year

Servers manage table service and ensure customers enjoy their meals. Duties include:

• Taking food and drink orders

• Delivering dishes and beverages promptly

• Checking on guests throughout the meal

• Processing payments and calculating tips

• Upselling menu items and specials

• Answering questions about ingredients and preparation

Strong communication and multitasking abilities are essential.

Host/Hostess – Managing Guest Flow & Reservations

National Average Salary: £21,150 per year

Hosts ensure smooth entry and seating processes. Responsibilities:

• Welcoming guests warmly

• Providing accurate wait times

• Organizing reservations and table rotation

• Escorting guests to tables

• Communicating with servers during peak hours

• Handling opening and closing procedures

They set the tone for a positive dining experience.

Cook – Preparing High-Quality Meals to Chef Standards

National Average Salary: £18,255 per year

Cooks follow recipes to prepare dishes efficiently. Duties include:

• Cooking menu items to specification

• Prepping ingredients before service

• Monitoring kitchen supplies

• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene

• Assisting other kitchen staff

Types of cooks include:

• Line Cook

• Prep Cook

• Short-Order Cook

• Relief Cook

• Fast Food Cook

Bartender – Serving Cocktails & Managing Bar Services

National Average Salary: £23,191 per year

Bartenders are responsible for:

• Mixing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Providing menu recommendations

• Taking drink orders and processing payments

• Monitoring stock levels

• Maintaining a hygienic bar area

• Creating and presenting cocktails professionally

They play a major role in enhancing guest experience.

Runner – Supporting Servers & Ensuring Timely Service

National Average Salary: £23,530 per year

Runners perform essential support tasks, including:

• Delivering food orders to tables

• Communicating special requests to chefs

• Clearing dishes and refilling drinks

• Assisting servers with large parties

• Explaining menu items to guests

This role ensures smooth dining operations.

Chef – Leading Kitchen Operations & Menu Creation

National Average Salary: £24,262 per year

Chefs oversee food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management. Responsibilities:

• Developing recipes and menus

• Managing kitchen staff and schedules

• Preparing dishes to high standards

• Monitoring food quality and safety

• Coordinating daily kitchen operations

An excellent choice for skilled culinary professionals.

Takeaway Counter Staff – Managing Orders & Customer Service

National Average Salary: £19,701 per year

Key duties:

• Taking orders at the counter or drive-thru

• Handling payments and issuing receipts

• Packing takeaway meals

• Updating customers on specials

• Assisting with basic food preparation

They ensure fast and accurate service for takeaway operations.

Restaurant Manager – Overseeing Daily Operations

National Average Salary: £29,195 per year

Restaurant managers lead all front- and back-of-house staff. Responsibilities:

• Hiring, training, and supervising employees

• Creating work schedules

• Managing customer complaints

• Ordering kitchen supplies

• Monitoring finances and budgets

• Improving service quality and efficiency

This role is ideal for experienced hospitality professionals.

Sommelier Wine Expert & Beverage Consultant

National Average Salary: £30,219 per year

Sommeliers are specialists in wine service and pairings. Main duties:

• Managing wine lists and inventories

• Creating wine pairings with chefs

• Advising guests on wine selections

• Training staff on wine varieties

• Organizing wine-tasting events

A prestigious role for applicants with deep wine knowledge.

Why UK Restaurant Jobs Are Ideal for Foreign Workers

The UK hospitality sector continues to face talent shortages, making it one of the most supportive industries for visa sponsorship. Benefits include:

• Competitive wages

• Career growth and skill development

• Opportunities across major cities and rural areas

• Supportive work environments

• Pathways toward long-term residence for qualified workers

With the right experience and dedication, international applicants can build promising careers in the UK restaurant industry.