Want to serve beers in a trendy pub in a seaside town or live in and work in an old English pub in a historic village? — Just some of the many choices for those with a little customer experience.
There are numerous bar, hotel and chef positions throughout the UK. For the “real UK experience” live-in opportunities for couples or single travellers can be a great way to go. These types of positions can be a great way to save some money. Customer service experience is usually necessary for hospitality.
Chefs also require experience but the opportunities are excellent to get some first-class international experience.
Live-In Bar Jobs
Live-in employment in the UK has long been a popular choice for working travellers who have great customer service skills and enjoy flexible work. Most live-in opportunities involve customer service and usually require you to be a jack-of-all-trades, from pulling a pint to preparing some pub food. These positions often provide on-the-job training, accommodation, and cheap or free meals.
Working holiday makers with some customer service experience will have no trouble finding opportunities outside of London, giving them a chance to get to know “the real England.” Those with hospitality experience will find it easier to secure opportunities in London.
Of course, live-in bar jobs always include accommodation and normally some meal subsidy which greatly helps with your savings for further travel. Opportunities for couples and individuals are widely available and those travelling mates (or a buddy for you Canucks) can quickly find jobs together. For couples, live-in employment is plentiful and can be a great way to experience the UK together.
The gross wage for live-in pubs is around £10-13 per hour depending on the location. You work approximately 34-40 hours per week normally with 2 days off per week.
The net wage averages between £270.00 to £400.00 per week with more money for more hours and tips on top.
Tips can be anywhere from £50.00 to £100.00 per shift depending on the service provided by the pub. Some pubs offer food subsidies to the staff. Be sure to check what is and isn’t included in each position as they are all a little different.
Service Jobs (Live-out)
Live-out positions are also a popular choice for working travellers and are more common in London where the live-in options are fewer. Almost all service jobs require prior experience as there is generally no on-the-job training.
A wide range of establishments exist in Bars, Cafes, Restaurants and seasonal catering. Since accommodation and food are not included in this setup, these jobs tend to pay a little more than the live-in option. Live-out hotel work will pay £11 – £21 per hour or £442 – £817 per week.
In terms of saving a little money, live-in jobs often work out better but that of course depends on how many people you are prepared to share a place with.
Kitchen and Chef Jobs
Opportunities for Chefs in Britain, especially London, are numerous and present an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and add some serious weight to your resume.
Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Commis Chefs, Chef de Parties, Cooks and Kitchen Hands are always in demand. Earnings for chef jobs vary widely depending on experience.
Commis chefs can earn between £1,700 to £2,300 per month, sous chefs earn £2,000 to £2,900 per month, head chefs can earn between £2,300 to £3,500 per month while executive head chefs earn between £3,200 to £5,000 per month.
In the UK, tips are also often part of the overall earnings. Live-in positions are also available in pubs. Prepare for the experience of a lifetime by also reading our essential tips section
Table of Contents
Master the Art of Job Hunting in the UK
Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Succeeding in the Competitive UK Job Market
Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international job seeker, this book provides the tools you need to craft standout applications, ace interviews, and secure the perfect position. Don’t let the competitive job market hold you back—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed with this indispensable resource.
