Emergency sick cover
Replace an unexpected absence so your team can concentrate on opening and service.
Relief Chefs UK
Pub & Gastro Pub Chef Cover
RELIEF CHEFS UK / PUB & GASTRO PUB STAFFING
Your pub is fully booked. Your chef has called in sick.
Keep food service moving with experienced pub chefs for short-notice absences, weekend pressure, holiday cover or a longer recruitment gap. Tell our chef-led team what your kitchen needs and we’ll look for the right match.
Our recruitment team handles agency enquiries. Chef cover depends on role, location, dates and availability.
Run by chefsTemporary & permanent recruitmentUK-wide enquiries welcome
THE CHALLENGE
Chef cover that respects the reality of pub service.
A pub shift is not just a list of dishes. The chef needs to understand pace, prep, allergens, stock, the layout of your kitchen and how the front-of-house team communicates during a busy service.
Whether you run a village inn, a food-led gastro pub or a high-volume destination venue, we begin with your menu and the responsibility you need the chef to take on. A confident section chef is different from someone you need to run the entire kitchen.
Our traditional recruitment team can source temporary support while you stabilise your rota or recruit permanently. You can also use our separate self-service app if you prefer to post shifts and review applicants yourself.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Where pub operators use relief chefs
Weekend and Sunday support
Bring in an extra set of experienced hands for busy Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday roasts.
Kitchen leadership
Ask for Sous Chef or Head Chef support when you need somebody to supervise prep, pass and standards.
Recruitment gap cover
Keep your menu running while you find a permanent chef; discuss temp-to-perm where appropriate.
HELP US FIND THE RIGHT MATCH
Give us a working pub-kitchen brief
The more we know before service, the better we can match experience to the job.
- Pub postcode and any parking or accommodation
- Shift dates, start times, finish times and expected hours
- Menu style and approximate covers, including Sunday trade
- Chef level, lone-working expectations and kitchen responsibilities
- Any equipment, allergy procedures or special requirements
“Friday evening, Sunday roast or an unexpected absence — we know why pub kitchens need a chef who can settle in quickly.”Our approach to understanding your kitchen brief
Built around real kitchens, not generic staffing.
Relief Chefs UK is run by experienced hospitality professionals. We discuss kitchen fit, expectations and practical arrangements before proposing a chef. We carry out checks before introducing chefs, and availability is always confirmed for the specific booking.
CHOOSE HOW TO BOOK
Prefer a personal agency service or to book via our app?
01 / Our recruitment team
We discuss your role, dates, kitchen and requirements and help source suitable chefs. Best when you want personal support with a complex or urgent booking.
Enquire with the team →02 / Self-service chef app
Post your own shifts, review chef applicants and agree booking terms in the Relief Chefs UK marketplace. The app is separate from our agency service.
Explore the app →GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a chef just for Sunday lunch?
Yes. Tell us the service hours, menu, expected covers and chef level required. We will check availability for that specific date.
Can you find a Head Chef rather than a Chef de Partie?
We recruit across chef levels. Explain whether you need somebody to lead a brigade, run the pass or cover an individual section.
Do you help pubs outside major cities?
Yes. We work with rural and town venues across the UK. Please include the postcode, transport arrangements and any live-in accommodation so we can assess the assignment.
What if I need longer-term cover?
We can discuss a multi-week booking or permanent recruitment while temporary cover is in place.
Learn more about all our recruitment services.
NEED KITCHEN COVER?
Tell us who you need. We’ll discuss the next step.
Send the chef grade, venue postcode, dates and shift hours. Our team will talk through your requirements and check suitable options.
PERSONAL AGENCY SERVICE
Tell us which chef you need.
Send your venue, dates and shift requirements. Our team will contact you to discuss availability and terms.