Event Catering Staff in York YO1 – Your Next Role Awaits
Catering Jobs is recruiting dynamic Event Catering Staff for an immediate temporary placement in the heart of York. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a direct pathway to permanent opportunities in the thriving local hospitality scene.
ASAP Start: Interviews happening this week. Register with our Temporary Catering Staff Agency for priority access.

Job Description: Event Catering Staff, York
We are seeking enthusiastic and professional Event Catering Staff to join our dedicated team serving York's bustling events sector. This role is perfect for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments, from corporate functions at the York Racecourse to elegant weddings in the city's historic venues.
As a specialist in Catering Recruitment, Catering Jobs partners with premier venues and event companies across the YO1 postcode. This position offers not just a job, but a career gateway into York's vibrant hospitality industry. Successful candidates will be registered with our agency, gaining access to a steady stream of temporary and temp-to-perm assignments. Whether you're a seasoned server or looking to start your journey in events, this role provides the flexibility and variety that modern job seekers desire, coupled with the security of weekly pay and a supportive local consultant.
This role is distinct from other positions like a School Cook or a permanent Head Chef, focusing instead on the dynamic, project-based nature of event hospitality. It's an ideal fit for those who enjoy meeting new people, working in different stunning locations each week, and being part of creating memorable experiences. For those seeking variety, this role offers more diversity than a standard restaurant position, covering everything from canapé service at gallery openings to full silver service at black-tie dinners.
Key Responsibilities & Day-to-Day Duties
As Event Catering Staff in York, your responsibilities will be diverse and engaging. You will be the face of the catering company, directly impacting guest experience.
- Premium Service Delivery: Provide exceptional front-of-house service at high-profile events across York, including at venues like the National Railway Museum, York Minster, and luxury hotels. This involves silver service, buffet management, and sophisticated drinks service.
- Event Setup and Breakdown: Work as part of a team to transform spaces. This includes dressing tables, arranging furniture, setting up bar stations, and ensuring all health & safety standards are met before guests arrive, and efficiently clearing down post-event.
- Guest Interaction & Problem-Solving: Engage politely and professionally with guests, anticipating needs, handling dietary requirement enquiries, and resolving minor service issues swiftly and discreetly to maintain the event's atmosphere.
- Food Safety & Hygiene Compliance: Adhere strictly to all food safety regulations (HACCP), including safe food handling, temperature checks, and maintaining impeccable personal and workspace hygiene throughout shifts.
- Team Coordination: Collaborate effectively with other catering staff, kitchen porters, Head Chefs, and event managers. Clear communication is vital for seamless service, especially during complex, multi-course meals or large-scale functions.
What We're Looking For: Essential & Desirable Criteria
We value attitude and reliability as much as experience. The ideal candidate is presentable, punctual, and possesses a genuine passion for hospitality.
- Proven Experience: Previous experience in event catering, hotel waiting staff, or high-end restaurant service is highly desirable. However, candidates with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn are also encouraged to apply.
- Immediate Availability & Flexibility: Must be available for an immediate start and able to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, as demanded by the event schedule. This role suits those looking for temporary agency work with variable hours.
- Professional Demeanour: Impeccable personal presentation, a friendly and confident manner, and the ability to remain calm and courteous under pressure are essential.
- Team Player Mindset: A collaborative spirit is non-negotiable. You must be able to follow instructions from supervisors and work harmoniously with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.
- Right to Work: Must have the legal right to work in the UK. All successful candidates will undergo a standard right-to-work check.
Note for Career Changers:
If you have experience in a fast-paced customer-facing role (retail, call centres, etc.) and are looking to transition into hospitality, we offer training. This role can be your entry point into a rewarding career as a Temporary Chef or other specialised hospitality positions.
Salary, Pay & Benefits Package
Financial Rewards
- • Competitive Hourly Rate: £11.50 - £14.50 per hour, dependent on role (e.g., waiter, bartender, captain) and experience.
- • Weekly Pay: Get paid every Friday without fail. No waiting for monthly payroll.
- • Holiday Pay Accrual: Your statutory holiday pay is calculated and paid as you earn it, providing transparency and extra income.
- • Overtime Opportunities: Enhanced rates often apply for shifts exceeding 8 hours or on public holidays.
Perks & Support
- • Flexible Scheduling: We work around your availability. Perfect for students, parents, or those with other commitments.
- • Free Uniform: Where required, we provide the necessary professional attire for events.
- • Training & Upskilling: Access to free online courses in food safety, customer service, and wine knowledge to boost your CV.
- • Career Progression: High performers are recommended for permanent positions or promoted to supervisory roles like Catering General Manager tracks.
Why Register with Catering Jobs in York?
We're not just a job board; we're your local career partner in York's hospitality sector. Here’s what sets us apart:
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Local Expertise: Our consultants live and work in the York area. We know the venues, the employers, and the market rates intimately, ensuring we find the right fit for you.
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Speed & Efficiency: Our registration process is streamlined. Often, we can place you in a role within 48 hours of your application. Need work fast? We excel at urgent short-term placements.
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Ongoing Support: You get a dedicated consultant. They are your point of contact for shift queries, pay questions, and career advice—no automated systems or call centres.
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Wide Network: One registration gives you access to our entire network of clients across York. From one-off events to long-term contracts, we have the connections.
Watch: How agile staffing meets the demands of York's busy event calendar.
How to Apply: Your 3-Step Journey
Apply Online or Call
Submit your details via our quick application form below, or call our York team directly on +44203 086 9080. Have your CV ready, or ask about our CV guidance if you need help.
Quick Registration & Chat
We'll schedule a brief, friendly chat (in-person or video) to discuss your experience, availability, and career goals. This is also where we complete your right-to-work checks efficiently.
Get Matched & Start Work
Once registered, you'll be added to our active candidate pool. We'll match you with suitable shifts and send you all the details—venue, time, dress code, and contact. Your first shift could be within days.
Ready to Join York's Premier Event Teams?
Don't miss out on this immediate opportunity. Roles in the YO1 area are being filled daily.
Secure Your Application Now Call: 0203 086 9080Final Step: If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
While previous event experience is a strong advantage, it's not always mandatory. We value transferable skills highly. Experience in busy restaurants, hotels, or even retail/customer service roles demonstrates the pace, teamwork, and customer focus we need. For candidates with the right attitude but less direct experience, we often offer initial shifts in support roles (e.g., kitchen porter, cloakroom) with training to help you transition to front-of-house. Our guide on temporary agency work explains these pathways in detail.
Shifts are entirely event-driven, offering great variety but requiring flexibility. A typical shift might be 4-10 hours long. Daytime events (corporate lunches, weddings) often start late morning. Evening events (galas, dinners) usually start in the late afternoon and finish around midnight. Weekend work is very common. You'll often know your schedule a week or two in advance, but we also have last-minute requests. The beauty of agency work is you can often choose which shifts to accept based on your availability.
Absolutely. Many of our temporary assignments are"temp-to-perm." This means the client is using the temporary period to assess candidates for a permanent position. Performing well, showing reliability, and fitting in with the team is the best way to be offered a permanent contract. We also regularly advertise direct permanent roles for Head Chef and other positions on our Jobs board. Registering with us gives you first sight of these opportunities.
Most events will be within the York city centre (YO1) or easily accessible by public transport from there. You are generally responsible for your own travel to the venue. For events at more remote venues outside the city (e.g., country manor houses), the client may sometimes arrange transport or provide a travel allowance. This will always be clearly communicated in the shift details before you accept the assignment. We recommend having a valid bus pass or planning your route in advance.
Yes, definitely. While this page focuses on Event Catering Staff, Catering Jobs is a full-service Hospitality recruitment agency. Once registered, you'll be considered for a wide range of roles, including permanent positions as a School Cook, Temporary Chef for restaurant cover, hotel front desk, and kitchen porters. Explore our Jobs In section to see the full breadth of opportunities across York and the UK.
Other Immediate Hospitality Roles in York & Nearby
Looking for something slightly different? Catering Jobs has a wide network. Check out these other urgent vacancies that might suit your skills.
Wedding Waiting Staff
Specialised role for weekend wedding venues in North Yorkshire. Silver service experience preferred.
Conference Hosts
Corporate events at York International Centre. Greeting delegates, managing registration desks.
Kitchen Porter
Supporting busy event kitchens. Immediate starts, no experience needed, full training provided.
We also place staff in seasonal events nationwide. For example, check out opportunities for Winter Wonderland Staff or explore our wider Catering Jobs portal.
View All Recent Jobs in YorkSpeak to Our York Hospitality Team Today
Have questions before you apply? Prefer to talk it through? Our local consultants are here to guide you.
Contact Details
Catering Jobs – York Office
Servicing York YO1 and the wider Yorkshire region.
Phone: +44203 086 9080
Email: [email protected]
Lines are open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm.
Local Venues We Serve
Our Event Catering Staff work at York's most prestigious locations, including:
- York Racecourse & Pavilions
- The Principal York Hotel
- National Railway Museum
- York Minster & Refectory
- Various historic guildhalls and private estates
Ready to take the next step in your hospitality career?
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Email Your CV Now