Need a Chef?

Flexible, reliable,
worry-free chef cover.

Are you a Chef?

Earn more, cook more, live more.
No stress, no politics.

Chef Gone AWOL?

Cumbria’s and the North West’s premier specialist chef recruitment agency

Supplying temporary solutions to your kitchen staffing problems since 1999.
As time served caterers, we understand both the industry and your needs.

Head Chefs

Sous Chefs

Chef de Partie

Pastry Chefs

Chefs

Cooks

Pizza Chefs

Head Chefs Sous Chefs Chef de Partie Pastry Chefs Chefs Cooks Pizza Chefs

 

Chef Recruitment Agency – Finding the Best Culinary Talent for Your Business

Your Trusted Partner in Chef Recruitment

At AWOL Recruitment, we are a leading agency dedicated to helping businesses in the hospitality industry find the most talented and reliable chefs. Whether you own a gastro pub, fine dining restaurant, hotel, school, care home or catering business, we understand the importance of hiring the right professionals to enhance your dining experience.

With years of expertise in the catering industry, we specialise in placing highly skilled chefs in both permanent or temporary positions. Our extensive network allows us to connect businesses with chefs who meet their specific needs, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and high-quality cuisine.

Chef Recruitment Services Tailored to Your Needs

Finding the right chef for your establishment can be challenging, but with AWOL Recruitment, the process is streamlined and stress-free. We offer:

 

Relief Chef Agency Services:

When you need urgent cover, our temporary chefs step in to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Temporary Work Solutions:

Ideal for businesses that need additional staff during busy periods or short-term cover.

Bespoke Staffing Solutions:

We work closely with our clients requiring tailored recruitment services to ensure the right fit.

Why Choose AWOL Recruitment as Your Chef Agency?

1. Extensive Industry Expertise

As a leading chef recruitment agency, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality sector. Our recruitment specialists have firsthand industry experience, allowing us to match businesses with chefs who have the right skills, experience, and attitude.

2. A Wide Talent Pool of Reliable Chefs

We take pride in our network of reliable chefs who are passionate about their craft. If you're looking to fill a temporary chef job we have dedicated chefs ready to step into your kitchen, maintain high standards, and ensure seamless operations. If you're a chef seeking to find jobs, we connect you with top establishments that match your expertise and career goals.

3. Peace of Mind with Quality Candidates

Our thorough vetting process ensures that every chef we place meets the highest standards. We conduct rigorous background checks, skill assessments, and reference verifications, giving our clients peace of mind when hiring through our recruitment services.

4. Flexibility to Suit Your Business Needs

We understand that staffing needs can change at a moment’s notice. That’s why we offer temporary work and relief staffing options for businesses needing immediate cover. Whether it’s for a single shift, a seasonal rush, or a last-minute absence, our temporary chef solutions ensure your kitchen runs without disruption.

5. Supporting Career Growth for Chefs

For chefs seeking new opportunities, we help find work that match their skills and career aspirations. Whether you're an experienced executive chef or a junior chef looking for the next step, our chef agency and hospitality recruitment service connects you with rewarding roles in top establishments.

Find a Chef with AWOL Recruitment Today

If you're looking to find a chef who meets your business’s unique requirements, AWOL Recruitment is here to help. Our recruitment agency specialises in placing the right talent in the right roles, ensuring both businesses and chefs benefit from a perfect match.

Get in touch today to discuss your staffing needs and let us help you find the ideal chef to elevate your dining experience.

Learn more about our services and start your hiring journey today.

What they say…

  • "The service that AWOL gives is very professional – yet remaining personal – and all the chefs have been hard working, very well presented, personal and, above all, able to rise immediately to the very strenuous demands of a 2AA rosette kitchen. Thanks, I couldn’t have got through it without your help!"

    Angela • Overwater Hall

  • My last working week will be next week. Thank you for the work I will be forever grateful.

    Ross • Retiring AWOL Chef

  • My experience with AWOL has been a great one. I would not use another agency. They are fair, professional and try their best towards meeting both the chef and clients needs. Shifts given for the following week and pay are always on time. I have very much enjoyed working with them.

    Chef Megan

  • "I just wanted to send a quick email to you to say that we have had Darren working with us a lot recently and he has been and absolute pleasure to work with, his willingness to jump in and be part of the team, to help etc has been fantastic, Not to say all the other chefs you have sent us haven’t been fantastic as they have, but Darren is a credit to your agency and I thought you may like to know."

    Kerry • Hare and Hounds
    Bowland Bridge

  • "Thank you for your help throughout this time, AWOL has enable us to continue working efficiently during this difficult period."

    Amanda • Abbot Hall

  • "I just though id email you with some positive feedback from the chef you provided today. He was absolutely excellent, very professional, friendly and  hardworking nothing was to much trouble at all."

    Dee • Adult Social Care
    Cumberland Council

  • "On another note would just like to say that the chef we had last week  was very good and fitted in very well with the team."

    Martin • Sedburgh School

  • "I was the Duty Manager this weekend and just wanted to pass on some feedback about James who was in the kitchen at Derwent Hill on Sunday. He couldn’t have been nicer! Really friendly and helpful and clearly ‘on it’ in the kitchen."

    Matthew • Centre Director
    Derwent Hill Outdoor Education & Training Centre

  • "I just wanted to give you a bit of feedback from the Kitchen yesterday for Nikki, she was great! Our kitchen staff were really impressed and the clients loved the meal. If you could pass on out thanks again I appreciate she gave up her day off for us."

    John • Head of Centre
    Ghyll Head Outdoor Education & Activity Centre

More Testimonials