The Holiday Slowdown Is Normal — And Temporary
As December winds down, kitchens across the UK hit their quietest stretch of the year. Rotas shrink, teams take planned breaks, and some venues shut altogether. If you’re between roles or waiting for the next opportunity, the silence can feel uncomfortable, but you’re not alone. It happens every year.
The good news is simple: the slowdown doesn’t last long. Kitchens come back to life quickly after New Year’s Day, and the chefs who use this quiet period well are the ones who hit the ground running when hiring resumes.
This pause is also a rare chance for reflection. Without the pressure of service, you can think about where you’ve worked recently, what kind of kitchen environment suits you best, and which direction you want to take your career in the new year. Even sending a few friendly messages to chefs or managers you know helps keep your network warm before recruitment starts up again.
Why Kitchens Wind Down in Late December
From Christmas Eve through the first week of January, many venues shift into a reduced schedule or close altogether. The reasons are mostly practical rather than purely festive.
- Team members take annual leave, which naturally reduces capacity.
- Suppliers operate limited schedules, making it harder to run full menus.
- Customer demand drops sharply between Christmas and New Year.
Corporate dining, school catering, and large contract sites often close fully. Independent restaurants may stay open, but with shorter hours, reduced menus, or skeleton crews.
If you rely on full-time hours, the sudden dip can feel jarring. But once you understand why it happens, it becomes easier to plan for it each year. Kitchens have their own rhythm, and December downtime is simply part of the annual cycle.
When Full-Time Jobs Start Returning
After New Year’s Day, kitchens begin to reset. The period between 1st and 10th January is when most venues quietly shift back into gear.
Behind the scenes, managers are:
- Counting stock and assessing December’s performance
- Rebuilding rotas
- Planning menus for the next quarter
- Running refreshers or short training sessions
Once that happens, the first wave of hiring starts. In early January, it’s common to see:
- New full-time chef listings posted online
- Holiday cover stepping aside, creating space on the rota
- Teams reaching out to reliable chefs they’ve worked with before
Some businesses take a few extra days to reopen if they’re deep-cleaning or resetting equipment, but by mid-January most kitchens are back to full speed.
If you’re returning to a kitchen you already know, a quick message to the head chef or kitchen manager before reopening can put you at the front of the queue. For new opportunities, staying visible and responsive is key.
Smart Ways to Use the Quiet Days Before Hiring Picks Up
Even though late December is quieter, it’s still valuable time if you use it well. A bit of preparation now helps you move faster when jobs start appearing.
- Refresh your CV and online profiles
- Reach out to past employers or colleagues
- Practise skills at home, from basic prep to new recipes
- Sharpen knives, tidy up your kit, and get uniforms ready
- Update certifications like Food Safety if needed
Some chefs even land a short shift during this period, and one strong performance can easily lead to something more stable in January. But even without work, preparation keeps you sharp, confident, and ready to move quickly when the first calls come in.
How to Stay Ahead of the January Hiring Rush
January is one of the biggest hiring months for full-time chef jobs. Teams reshuffle, new menus launch, and venues need reliable chefs to carry them into spring.
To stand out:
- Be willing to trial at short notice
- Keep your phone handy and check messages regularly
- Stay open to a range of roles for the first week or two
- Follow up politely after applications
Chefs who stay flexible and respond quickly get picked up faster, particularly while rotas are still being rebuilt. Early movement often leads to the best positions.
Why the Quiet Spell Helps You Long-Term
It’s easy to see late December as dead time, but it often becomes a turning point. A short reset helps you start the new year with more clarity and more energy.
Head chefs notice when someone comes back focused, prepared, and ready to contribute. Whether you’re stepping back into an old job or starting fresh somewhere new, the attitude you bring in January sets the tone for the months ahead.
This isn’t downtime. It’s reset time. Use it well, and you’ll start the new year with more momentum and better opportunities.
Ready to Step Into a New Full-Time Role This January?
If you’re planning your return to the kitchen, we’re here to help. At Only Chefs, we connect chefs across the UK with full-time opportunities as kitchens reopen and start hiring again.
Browse live jobs, refresh your profile, and get ahead of the January rush. With the right preparation and the right support, you can step into the new year with confidence — and into a kitchen that suits your skills and goals.