How to become a chef
You might have heard the popular quote ‘Anyone can cook’ from the movie Ratatouille - this is something we stand behind! Have you ever been drawn by the aroma of freshly cooked dishes or super impressed by the Instagramable and beautiful presentation of food? You might have the eye and nose for being a Chef.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to become a Chef. Chef life is not just about mastering a recipe, it is about passion, skill and an adaptable mind.
At Greene King, we are all about bringing communities together, where everyone can have a good time and eat great food.
Start your journey to becoming a Chef with us.
Is it difficult to become a chef in the UK?
Starting a career as a Chef is about finding the right opportunity and at Greene King we have many. A lot of the learning and gaining culinary skills, is through on-the-job training and time in the kitchen. To start, it’s just a matter of finding an opportunity to gain the experience that will kick-start your culinary career. You never know, you might be the next Gorden Ramsey in the making!
If you have a keen eye for maintaining the highest standards and thrive in a fast-paced environment, you have the key qualities we look for in our teams. Once you join and start working in harmony in the kitchen, you’ll quickly become an invaluable kitchen team member.
Become a Chef through an apprenticeship
Many Chefs start their careers off by joining a credited apprenticeship program. It’s one of the best ways to learn all the key skills you’ll need and get a certification all at the same time. As you develop in your career and gain experience, there are so many new routes to take to become a specialist Chef in an area you are most passionate about, like becoming a patisserie Chef.
At Greene King, we have some of the best hospitality apprenticeships available in the UK. Take a look at Chef roles and see if you could see yourself cooking up a storm in the kitchen, creating heart-warming dishes for customers.
What does a Chef job description at Greene King look like?
Our Chefs at Greene King are at the heart of our kitchen operations. Why? Well without food and drink, hospitality just wouldn’t be possible. Chefs help create beautiful moments by delivering high-quality food with amazing flavour.
This is what you can expect as a Chef at Greene King:
- Preparing and cooking meals that meet customer expectations.
- Maintaining high hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen.
- Working with safety in mind for your team, customers and yourself.
- Always communicating clearly with your team members.
In hospitality, things can sometimes be unpredictable. Such as a fast-paced environment like a pub kitchen, there is always something that can change. This could be new products, menus or processes. Being quick on your feet is important to manage day-to-day tasks.
What qualifications do you need to be a Chef?
Many people who are excited about joining the culinary arts often start with an apprenticeship or a search to do a cooking diploma and take lessons. But often, there isn’t a set rule or regulation of any certification to become a Chef.
If you are wondering, how to become a Chef with no experience or qualification, here is how. At Greene King, we offer people the opportunity to start a career in hospitality with no experience. We look for a mindset that is eager to learn, takes on board our values and behaviours and is passionate about the job.
Here are some key skills that will help you when applying you’re for Chef jobs with us:
- Having the agility to work well under pressure and as a team.
- A passion for making delicious and well-presented meals for customers every time.
- Being able to be proactive and help out in different areas of the kitchen when needed.
- Most importantly, having a desire to learn new skills and be a self-starter.
We have a diverse and inclusive culture, where you will meet wonderful people and make lifelong friendships while learning culinary skills at the same time.
Apply now and cook up your dream career!
Now that you have explored the roadmap to becoming a Chef, it's time to take the first step. Whether you are seeking your first kitchen job or ready to go straight to applying to be a Chef, the world of cooking is waiting for passionate and talented individuals like you. At Greene King, we don’t wait for the perfect moment, we create it!
Are you ready to turn your culinary dreams into reality? The kitchen is calling, answer with passion and skill!
Apply for Chef roles today and start a journey filled with new flavours and endless possibilities.
WHAT CAN A APPRENTICESHIP DO FOR YOU?
Are you looking to jumpstart your career in the hospitality industry? Look no further than Greene King Apprenticeships!
Whether you’re interested in cheffing it up in the kitchen, pouring crazy cocktails, or leading a team to new heights - this is a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level. You can get a lot out of an Apprenticeship, so let’s dive straight into it:
related jobs
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Phoenix (Ridgeway)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Grill - BRA_205
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
4c59aabe-53e8-4a55-80cd-82cc4ce969ab
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Crabmill (Oldswinford)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Kitchen - BRA_201
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
7e67449e-5482-4ff4-9269-584b631f244e
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Bradmore Arms (Wolverhampton)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Hungry Horse - BRA_104
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
e25f5c86-7177-4f90-9f98-f056ddf41067
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Hand & Racquet (Wimbledon)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Heritage - BRA_208
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
79e8ed1a-95bc-46ba-bb83-21c8ed80b428
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Greyfisher (Salisbury)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Flaming Grill - BRA_103
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
dfeaab80-3701-48be-a1a1-5e2aaf794852
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Rising Sun (Gawsworth)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Kitchen - BRA_201
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
6559db3d-f783-4693-8986-7a94ea1e9f28
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Beehive Inn (Edinburgh)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Heritage - BRA_208
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
3f3485b7-7730-4970-b981-327f6e86c55b
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Ye Olde Rose & Crown (Greenwich)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Urban - BRA_209
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
05747f91-092a-413a-a0a8-eee31df191dc
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Ship Inn (Cobham)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Kitchen - BRA_201
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
567a4364-d903-4c00-ba33-efee96c1e0f9
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£12.21 - £12.50
Location
Peacock Inn (Forhill)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Chef & Brewer - BRA_101
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
a85b7beb-e820-4585-bd0e-e0347eee5591
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
related posts

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/11/2025
Summary
Are you fresh out of school and wondering what’s next? Jobs for school leavers at Greene King could be exactly what you’re looking for. Uni isn’t for everyone, and with only 36% of 18 years olds vent
by
Kat Ross
.jpg)
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
08/18/2025
Summary
Summer's bringing longer days, brighter evenings, and plenty of chances to make memories. If you're looking for summer job opportunities, Greene King has pub jobs that fit all kinds of lifesty
by
Charley Young

Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/31/2025
Summary
As a student, it’s normal to be looking for ways to earn some extra cash around your studies. With 69% of students having a part-time job, it’s just as much a part of uni life as late nights and le
by
Ellie Burrows

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/31/2025
Summary
You’ve just finished school and “what next” is the big question. Apprenticeships in hospitality could be the answer you’re looking for. Last year alone, over 200,000 leavers started their apprentic
by
Kat Ross

Teaser
Head OfficeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/31/2025
Summary
When you think of Greene King, chances are you think of that pub at the heart of your community. Somewhere you can grab an award-winning pint, tuck into some tasty food, or relax in a place where y
by
Abida Perveen

Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/30/2025
Summary
What does a kitchen assistant do? In a kitchen assistant job at Greene King, you’ll be at the heart of our buzzing culinary crew. With over 2,700 pubs and restaurants up and down the UK, we dish up
by
Sam Stacey

Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/17/2025
Summary
WHAT IS A GENERAL MANAGER?General Managers in pubs and restaurants know how to build a great team! Are you ready to deliver unforgettable experiences for our customers and bring our brand to life? You
by
Charley Young
.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/25/2025
Summary
Looking to build a career that serves up satisfaction every day? At Greene King, we believe in growing our people as well our plates. If you're wondering how kitchen career progression works here, spe
by
Sam Stacey

Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/04/2025
Summary
The summer break is all about new experiences and taking a break from the books. 64% of students are looking for work, and with pubs hiring more young people than ever, now’s the time to look at stud
by
Kat Ross

Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/04/2025
Summary
So, you’ve got a pub job interview coming up. No doubt you’ll be keen to ace your interview and land the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. We get it, interview nerves are real, but don’t worry, we
by
Lucy Richardson