Staff Recruitment Agency For Restaurants And Hotels In Preston

Staff Direct: Professional Chef and Kitchen Staff Recruitment Agency for Restaurants and Hotels in Preston

Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK
Job Type: Executive, Permanent, Relief, and Temporary Kitchen Roles
Sector: Hospitality, Fine Dining, Hotels, and Gastro-Pubs
Recruitment Partner: Staff Direct

Introduction: Why the Heat is Rising in Preston’s Kitchens

If you’ve spent any time in Preston lately, you’ll know that the city is undergoing a culinary revolution. From the sophisticated bistros around Winckley Square to the bustling family-run eateries in the city centre and the high-end hotels dotting the Ribble Valley outskirts, Preston is hungry. But there’s a problem that every restaurateur knows all too well: the kitchen is only as good as the team inside it.

At Staff Direct, we don’t just fill "gaps" in a rota. We understand that a kitchen is a living, breathing ecosystem. One missing link—be it a Head Chef who can’t lead or a Kitchen Porter who doesn't show up—can bring an entire service to a grinding halt.

We are currently the leading Professional Chef and Kitchen Staff Recruitment Agency in Preston, connecting the most talented culinary minds with the city’s most prestigious establishments. If you’re looking to hire, or looking to be hired, welcome to the front line of Lancashire hospitality.

The Landscape: Preston’s Diverse Food Scene

Preston isn't just a "pit stop" between Manchester and the Lake District anymore. It has carved out its own identity. We have seen a massive spike in demand for kitchen talent due to:

  • The Rise of the Gastro-Pub: The surrounding villages need chefs who can turn local Lancashire produce into award-winning plates.
  • Hotel Expansion: With increased business travel to the North West, hotel kitchens are busier than ever.
  • Student & Tech Growth: The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the growing tech sector mean the mid-market dining scene is booming.

This diversity requires a recruitment agency that understands the difference between a high-volume banquet chef and a precision-focused pastry chef. That’s where Staff Direct steps in.

Roles We Specialise In

We cover every square inch of the kitchen. Whether you need someone to design a seven-course tasting menu or someone to ensure every plate is sparkling clean, we have the database to deliver.

1. Executive & Head Chefs

These are the generals. We look for candidates who possess not just culinary genius, but "Kitchen IQ"—the ability to manage food costs, handle COGS (Cost of Goods Sold), and mentor a team.

  • Focus: Menu development, supplier negotiation, and kitchen profitability.

2. Sous Chefs & Junior Sous

The backbone of the service. We recruit Sous Chefs who are ready to step up when the Head Chef is away, ensuring consistency and quality don't dip for a single second.

3. Chef de Partie (CDP)

Specialists in their stations. Whether it’s Sauce, Larder, or Pastry, we vet our CDPs for their technical skills and their ability to work at pace.

4. Commis Chefs

The future stars. We look for young, hungry (literally) talent coming out of places like Preston College or those looking to learn the ropes in a professional environment.

5. Kitchen Porters (KPs)

The most underrated role in the building. A good KP keeps the engine running. We find reliable, hard-working individuals who understand that the "wash-up" is the heartbeat of a successful night.

For Candidates: Your Career, Served Hot

Let’s be real—working in a kitchen is tough. It’s long hours, high pressure, and physically demanding. So, why do it? Because when you’re part of a winning team, there is no better feeling.

At Staff Direct, we treat our chefs like professionals, not commodities. When you register with us, we look at your career trajectory.

  • Where do you want to be in 5 years?
  • Do you prefer the intensity of a city centre grill or the refined pace of a country house hotel?
  • Are you looking for a permanent home or the variety of relief (temp) work?

The Benefits of Joining Staff Direct

  • Premium Rates: We advocate for fair pay that reflects your skill level.
  • Flexibility: Choose the shifts that fit your life.
  • Access to the "Hidden" Market: Many of our Preston clients don't advertise on public job boards; they come directly to us.
  • Weekly Pay: No more waiting a month to see the fruits of your labour.

For Employers: Stop Settling for "Good Enough"

How many times have you hired a chef who looked great on paper but couldn't handle a Saturday night rush? Or a temp who didn't know their Food Safety Standards?

We take the risk out of hiring. Our vetting process is the most rigorous in the North West.

Our 4-Step Vetting Process

  1. Portfolio & CV Review: We don't just check where they worked; we check what they did there.
  2. Reference Verification: We speak to previous Head Chefs and General Managers. We ask about punctuality, temperament, and skill.
  3. Qualification Check: We ensure all staff have the necessary Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene Certificates.
  4. The "Vibe" Check: Does this person fit the culture of your kitchen? A "yelling chef" doesn't work in a modern, collaborative environment.

If you’re ready to stop the revolving door of staff, check out our Employer Services Page to see how we can help.

The Staff Direct Difference: Local Knowledge, National Reach

We are "Staff Direct," but we feel like a Preston local. We know the traffic patterns on the M6, we know the busy periods during the Preston Guild celebrations, and we know the local suppliers.

By combining this local "on-the-ground" knowledge with our massive UK-wide database, we provide a service that smaller agencies simply can’t match. We can find a relief chef for a 200-cover wedding in the Ribble Valley with just four hours' notice.

Internal Opportunities

Salary and Rate Guide: Preston Market 2024/2025

To stay competitive in the current market, it's vital to know the going rates. Here is what we are seeing in the Preston and Lancashire area:

  • Head Chef:  (Depending on venue size/stars).
  • Sous Chef: .
  • Chef de Partie:  or  per hour.
  • Kitchen Porter:  per hour.

Relief Chefs (Contractors) can often command higher hourly rates between  per hour depending on the urgency and location.

Conclusion: Let’s Cook Up Something Great

The hospitality industry in Preston is resilient and exciting. But to thrive, you need the right ingredients—and in this case, that means the right people.

Whether you are an aspiring chef looking to make your mark in a new kitchen, or a hotel owner needing a reliable team to protect your reputation, Staff Direct is your partner. We take the stress out of recruitment so you can focus on what matters: the food and the guest experience.

Ready to start?

5 FAQs about Kitchen Recruitment in Preston

1. How quickly can Staff Direct provide a relief chef in Preston?

We pride ourselves on speed. Because we have a local pool of vetted chefs in Lancashire, we can often have someone in your kitchen within 2 to 4 hours for emergency cover. For planned absences, we recommend 48 hours' notice to get the best match for your specific cuisine.

2. Do all your chefs have Food Hygiene certifications?

Yes. It is a mandatory requirement for all our kitchen candidates to hold a minimum of a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate. We also check for up-to-date knowledge of allergens and HACCP protocols.

3. I’m a student at UCLan; can I get part-time kitchen work?

Absolutely. Kitchen Porter and Commis Chef roles are excellent for students. We have many roles in Preston city centre that offer evening and weekend shifts that work perfectly around your lecture timetable.

4. What happens if a candidate isn't the right fit?

We offer a "Satisfaction Guarantee" for permanent placements. If a candidate leaves or is found unsuitable within a specific period (usually 8-12 weeks), we will find a replacement at no extra cost. We want long-term partnerships, not one-off fees.

5. Does Staff Direct help with "New Opening" recruitment?

Yes! We love new openings. We can help you build an entire kitchen brigade from scratch—from the Executive Chef down to the KPs. We can even assist with setting up initial rotas and advice on local market rates to ensure you attract the best talent from day one. You can find more about business support on the Preston City Council Business Page.