Autumn might feel like a lull for chef jobs, but behind the scenes, many restaurants are already in hiring mode. With December and Christmas bookings filling up fast, kitchens across the UK are gearing up for their busiest stretch of the year. That means the smartest employers are securing extra hands early — and the savviest chefs are keeping their profiles visible and ready to go.
If you’ve been wondering whether chef job boards are still worth your time this late in the year, the short answer is yes. Whether you’re running a kitchen that needs reinforcements or a chef looking to land a role before the festive rush, staying active right now can make all the difference.
The Autumn Rush: Why Restaurants Start Hiring Early
By late September, many pubs, hotels, and restaurants are already planning their Christmas menus and private dining schedules. Staffing becomes a priority, and finding skilled chefs early is key to avoiding a scramble in December.
Here’s what’s happening across the industry:
• Restaurants with Christmas bookings are locking in brigades now to avoid last-minute gaps
• Venues hosting parties or events are adding extra commis and sous chefs to handle volume
• Seasonal contracts are opening up for chefs looking to earn more before year-end
It’s not that the market slows down — it just shifts. Kitchens that plan ahead move quickly, and those that delay often struggle to find available talent later.
Why Chef Job Boards Still Matter in Late 2025
Even when the market feels quieter, chef job boards remain one of the best places for both sides to connect. Employers use them not only to advertise new roles but also to scout talent directly before the December rush begins.
• Smaller restaurants often post short-term or emergency cover roles
• Some venues quietly recruit ahead of staff departures in November
• Employers can view chef profiles directly on Only Chefs and reach out before advertising
That means chefs who keep their profiles up to date are far more likely to receive messages directly from hiring managers. And for restaurants, it’s an efficient way to tap into a pool of available talent before competitors do.
How Chefs Can Stand Out During the Pre-Christmas Hiring Period
If listings seem thinner than usual, that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. It means the right chefs are being found instead of just applying.
Here’s how to stay visible and ready:
• Refresh your profile weekly so employers see you at the top of searches
• Turn on notifications for your preferred job types and locations
• Expand your search radius — many festive contracts come from hotels, pubs, and catering firms slightly outside city centres
On Only Chefs, employers can contact you directly based on your experience and location, so even if you’re not applying daily, you can still land a festive or full-time role by being discoverable.
For Employers: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until November
Every December, restaurants that delay hiring end up short-staffed just when the bookings hit peak volume. Hiring in October means you can:
• Train new chefs properly before the season starts
• Fill rota gaps with experienced professionals rather than last-minute temps
• Keep quality high when demand spikes
Posting your roles now gives you access to active chefs still looking to lock in a position before the Christmas period. Job boards like Only Chefs make that process faster and more targeted by matching you with chefs who already have the right experience level and availability.
Looking Beyond Christmas: Setting Up for 2026
January is traditionally when job boards see a surge in new listings and applications. But chefs who stayed active through autumn — and restaurants that hired early — are always ahead of that curve.
• Many seasonal hires turn into full-time positions once the holidays end
• Chefs who kept their profiles updated often get first pick of the new year’s opportunities
• Employers who build their teams early in Q4 start the new year stronger
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a head chef planning your brigade or a commis looking for your next role, autumn isn’t the time to switch off. The next few weeks are crucial for shaping what December — and even January — looks like for you.
Job boards like Only Chefs remain one of the most efficient ways to stay visible and connected during this hiring window. Restaurants are preparing now for their busiest time of the year, and chefs who are active today are the ones most likely to be in work when the Christmas season kicks off.
If you’re hiring, post your role early. If you’re job-hunting, keep your profile live and refreshed. Either way, don’t wait for January — the real opportunities are already starting to appear.