Edinburgh Festival Hospitality Recruitment
Edinburgh Festival Hospitality Recruitment – Event catering staff, temporary bar personnel, and hospitality workers for Edinburgh’s festivals and tourist season
Edinburgh Festival Hospitality Recruitment: Introduction
Edinburgh. The name itself brings images of a historic castle, ancient streets, and a vibrant culture. But for a few weeks every summer, the city transforms into the world’s biggest stage. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, and numerous other events create an incredible buzz. This explosion of arts and culture brings millions of visitors, all needing places to eat, drink, and stay. For anyone looking for work in the hospitality industry, this is a golden opportunity. The demand for skilled and enthusiastic staff goes through the roof, creating thousands of temporary jobs. From bustling pop-up bars on the Royal Mile to exclusive corporate events, the need for reliable event catering staff, temporary bar personnel, and general hospitality workers is massive. This guide is for you â the person looking to be part of this incredible experience and earn good money while doing it. We are a leading hospitality recruitment agency, and we’re here to connect you with the best temporary roles the city has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced chef, a cocktail whizz, or just starting and keen to learn, we have a place for you. We are one of the best hospitality recruitment agencies in the country, dedicated to finding the right fit for both our clients and our candidates.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about finding work during Edinburgh’s busiest season. Weâll cover the types of jobs available, what skills are in demand, and how a hospitality temp agency like ours can make your job search simple and successful. We understand that finding the right job can be tough, especially in a fast-paced environment. That’s why we’re here. We work with some of the top venues and catering companies in Edinburgh, giving you access to jobs you won’t find anywhere else. Forget endlessly scrolling through job boards; we bring the opportunities directly to you. We are the hospitality staffing agency that listens to what you want, whether it’s flexible hours, a chance to work at a major event, or a stepping stone to a permanent career. Let’s get you ready to join the heart of the action and make this Edinburgh festival season your most memorable yet.
The Edinburgh festival phenomenon: a golden opportunity for hospitality workers
Every august, Edinburgh’s population nearly doubles. It’s a staggering increase that puts a huge demand on the city’s infrastructure, especially its hospitality sector. This isn’t just about hotels and restaurants; it’s about the hundreds of temporary venues that spring up. Think beer gardens, street food markets, pop-up theatres with their own bars, and exclusive corporate hospitality suites. All of them need staffing. This creates a unique job market, a whirlwind of activity that lasts for a few intense, exciting weeks. For hospitality workers, it’s a chance to earn a significant amount of money in a short period. The hours are long, but the pay is competitive, and the tips can be fantastic. It’s an environment where hard work is directly rewarded. More than just the money, it’s the experience that counts. You’re not just serving a drink; you’re part of the biggest arts festival in the world. The atmosphere is electric. You’ll meet people from all over the globe, work in unique and exciting locations, and be at the centre of the cultural universe. This is what makes being part of the best hospitality recruitment agency Edinburgh network so special.
Working the festival season is also a brilliant way to boost your CV. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment teaches you skills that are valuable in any job. You learn to work efficiently under pressure, think on your feet, and provide excellent customer service to a diverse clientele. Many people use the festival season as a stepping stone. They come for a temporary job and end up finding a permanent role with a company they impressed. As a leading hospitality agency, we see this happen time and time again. Employers are always on the lookout for talent, and the festival is the ultimate audition. If you prove you’re reliable, hardworking, and have a great attitude, you’ll open doors to future opportunities. Itâs a chance to get noticed by top restaurant recruiters and hospitality headhunters who are always scouting for talent during this peak season. Whether you’re a student on summer break, a traveller looking to fund your next adventure, or a hospitality professional seeking a new challenge, the Edinburgh festival season has something to offer. It’s more than a job; it’s an unforgettable life experience.
Finding your perfect role: an overview of festival jobs
When we talk about festival jobs, it’s not just one type of role. The sheer variety is what makes it so exciting. There’s a position to suit almost any skill set and level of experience. Let’s break down some of the most common roles that are in high demand. For those who thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment, bar work is a top choice. This can range from pulling pints in a high-volume festival beer garden to crafting cocktails in a sophisticated pop-up bar. You’ll need to be quick, efficient, and have a friendly personality. Experience is often preferred, but for some of the bigger venues, a great attitude and a willingness to learn are just as important. Then there’s the world of event catering staff. These roles are incredibly diverse. You could be serving canapés at an exclusive show premiere, working on a food stall in the bustling street markets, or helping in the kitchen of a large-scale catering operation. These jobs are perfect for people who are organised, work well in a team, and can maintain high standards even when things get hectic. As a premier catering staff agency, we connect people with these fantastic opportunities.
Beyond the bar and kitchen, there are many other crucial roles. Think about kitchen porters, the unsung heroes of any catering operation. This is a physically demanding job but it’s a vital one, and often a great entry point into the hospitality industry with no prior experience needed. There are also roles for waiting staff in temporary restaurants and corporate hospitality boxes, requiring professionalism and excellent service skills. And let’s not forget front-of-house roles like hosts and receptionists, who are the first point of contact for guests. Each of these roles is a key part of the festival machine. A good hospitality temp agency near me, like us, will have connections across all these areas. We work with clients who need a single specialist for a VIP event, and others who need a whole team to run a venue for a month. This is why it’s so beneficial to sign up with a hospitality staffing agency. We can match your skills and preferences with the perfect role, taking the stress out of your job hunt and placing you right where you want to be.

Service spotlight: temporary bar staff
During the Edinburgh festivals, the cityâs thirst seems unquenchable. From traditional pubs to trendy pop-up bars, the demand for skilled bar staff is at an all-year high. As a specialist hospitality agency, we are at the forefront of supplying talented individuals to the most exciting venues. Our clients need more than just people who can pour a pint; they need staff who can handle pressure, manage a busy bar, and provide service with a smile. This is where our expertise as a hospitality temp agency comes in. We look for candidates with a mix of speed, efficiency, and personality. Experience with tills, cash handling, and knowledge of common drinks is a big plus. For more specialised roles in cocktail bars, mixology skills are highly sought after. We provide staff for every type of venue, from high-volume festival hubs to exclusive VIP lounges. Working with us means you get access to these premium agency hospitality jobs, allowing you to showcase your skills on the biggest stage and earn excellent money while doing it. We ensure you’re well-prepared and matched with a venue that fits your style and experience.
Service spotlight: event waiting staff
The Edinburgh festival is not just about street performance; it’s also a major hub for corporate hospitality, gala dinners, and exclusive parties. These events demand a higher level of service, and that’s where professional event waiting staff are essential. As one of the top restaurant recruitment agencies, we specialise in providing polished, professional, and reliable staff for these high-end occasions. The role of an event waiter or waitress goes beyond simply carrying plates. It requires an understanding of formal service etiquette, the ability to work seamlessly as part of a team, and the composure to handle a fast-paced environment with grace. You are the face of the event, ensuring that every guest has an exceptional experience. We recruit individuals who are attentive, discreet, and have a keen eye for detail. Experience in banqueting or fine dining is highly advantageous. By registering with our hospitality recruitment agencies, you gain access to temporary roles at some of the most prestigious events of the festival season, offering excellent rates of pay and the chance to work in truly unique settings.
The heart of the operation: kitchen and catering roles
Behind every great food experience at the festival is a team of hardworking kitchen staff. The pop-up restaurants, street food stalls, and large-scale event caterers all rely on a well-oiled machine back-of-house. This is where the magic truly happens, and there is a huge demand for chefs, kitchen assistants, and porters. For chefs, the festival is a chance to work in a dynamic and creative environment. We are a leading chef recruitment agency, and we place chefs of all levels, from commis chefs just starting their careers to experienced head chefs capable of running an entire kitchen. The work is intense and challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You could be designing menus for a festival-themed pop-up or executing hundreds of covers for a major corporate event. These temporary roles often pay very well and look fantastic on a CV. We have strong ties with businesses across the city, making us one of the go-to catering recruitment agencies for top culinary talent. If you’re looking for temp chef agency work, signing up with us is the first step to a busy and profitable August.
It’s not just about the chefs, though. The entire kitchen team is vital. Kitchen assistants and food prep staff are needed to handle the basics, from chopping vegetables to plating dishes. These roles are perfect for individuals who are organised, efficient, and want to gain more experience in a professional kitchen. Itâs a great way to learn from experienced chefs and see how a high-volume catering operation works from the inside. And we can’t forget the kitchen porters. This is arguably one of the toughest jobs in hospitality, but also one of the most important. Keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and stocked with clean equipment is essential for a smooth service. It’s a physically demanding role, but it’s a brilliant entry point into the industry for those with a strong work ethic. Many top chefs started their careers as kitchen porters. As a hospitality employment agency, we are always looking for reliable and hardworking people to fill these crucial back-of-house roles.
Key skills for back-of-house staff
| Skill | Why it’s important | Roles that need it |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and efficiency | High-volume service means no time to waste. | All kitchen roles |
| Teamwork | Kitchens are a team environment; everyone must work together. | Chef, Kitchen Assistant |
| Food safety knowledge | Essential for preventing illness and maintaining standards. | Chef, Kitchen Assistant |
| Ability to take direction | Following instructions from the head chef is crucial. | Commis Chef, Kitchen Assistant |
| Physical stamina | Long hours on your feet, lifting, and a hot environment. | All kitchen roles, especially Kitchen Porter |
| Attention to detail | Ensuring every dish that goes out is perfect. | Chef de Partie, Head Chef |
Service spotlight: kitchen porters
In the non-stop world of festival catering, kitchen porters are the foundation upon which everything is built. Itâs a role that demands resilience, strength, and a can-do attitude. As a dedicated hospitality staffing agency, we recognise the immense value that great kitchen porters bring to any culinary team. Our clients, from pop-up street food vendors to large-scale event caterers, depend on our ability to supply them with reliable KPs. The job involves much more than just washing dishes; you’ll be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organisation of the entire kitchen, assisting with basic food preparation, and ensuring that chefs have the clean equipment they need, exactly when they need it. Itâs a physically demanding job with long hours, but itâs also one of the best entry points into the hospitality industry. Many successful chefs began their journey as a kitchen porter. We are always looking for hardworking individuals for agency hospitality jobs and we offer competitive pay and the opportunity to work in some of Edinburghâs most exciting festival kitchens.
Service spotlight: temporary chefs
The culinary scene during the Edinburgh festival is diverse and demanding, requiring a flexible and skilled workforce of chefs. This is where a top temp chef agency proves its worth. We specialise in placing talented chefs in a variety of temporary roles, from covering a single shift to managing a kitchen for the entire festival period. Our clients rely on us to provide chefs who can step in and perform at a high level immediately. Whether it’s a Chef de Partie needed for a specific section, a Sous Chef to support the head chef, or an Executive Chef to oversee a multi-venue operation, we have the network to find the right person. As one of the leading international chef recruitment agencies, we attract talent from all over. Working as a temporary chef through our agency offers fantastic flexibility, excellent rates of pay, and the chance to experience different kitchens and culinary styles. Itâs an ideal way to broaden your experience, build your professional network, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. Find your next role with our chef recruitment services.

Why use a hospitality recruitment agency?
Navigating the job market during the Edinburgh festival season can be overwhelming. Thousands of jobs are advertised, but how do you know which ones are right for you? How do you get your application noticed among hundreds of others? This is where partnering with a specialist hospitality recruitment agency makes all the difference. Think of us as your personal agent. Instead of you searching for jobs, we bring the jobs to you. We have established relationships with hundreds of hotels, event companies, caterers, and restaurants across Edinburgh. These businesses trust us to find them the best staff, which means we often have access to exclusive jobs that aren’t advertised anywhere else. When you register with us, you tap into this hidden job market. We are one of the most connected restaurant recruiting companies in the region. We take the time to get to know you â your skills, your experience, and what you’re looking for. This allows us to match you with roles that are a perfect fit, saving you time and effort.
Another major benefit is the support we provide. Our job isn’t just to find you a placement; it’s to make sure you’re set up for success. We handle the boring stuff like negotiating pay rates and ensuring you’re paid correctly and on time. We provide you with clear briefs for each job, so you know exactly what’s expected of you before you even walk through the door. If you have any issues on a job, you have a dedicated consultant you can call. This level of support is invaluable, especially when you’re working in a new, high-pressure environment. For businesses, using hospitality staffing agencies is a no-brainer. It saves them the time and money of recruiting themselves and gives them access to a pre-vetted pool of reliable talent. This is why so many of the best venues choose to work with agencies like ours. By signing up with us, you are positioning yourself as a top candidate for the best temporary roles the festival has to offer. We are a trusted partner for hospitality recruitment agencies in London and across the UK.
Advantages of working with an agency
| For the Worker | For the Business |
|---|---|
| Access to exclusive job opportunities. | Quick access to a large pool of vetted staff. |
| Competitive and timely pay. | Saves time and resources on recruitment. |
| A single point of contact and support. | Flexibility to scale workforce up or down as needed. |
| Variety of work in different venues. | Reduces administrative burden (payroll, etc.). |
| Opportunity to build a professional network. | Access to specialist skills for specific events. |
| Simplified job-seeking process. | Ensures quality and reliability of staff. |
Service spotlight: events staff
The success of any festival event, from a small gallery opening to a massive outdoor concert, hinges on the quality of its events staff. This broad category covers a range of crucial front-of-house and support roles. As a premier hospitality agency, we provide comprehensive staffing solutions for events of all sizes. This includes hiring hosts and hostesses to welcome guests, cloakroom attendants to manage belongings, and promotional staff to engage with the public. We also supply runners and general assistants who perform a variety of tasks to ensure the event runs smoothly. Our focus is on finding individuals who are presentable, articulate, and have a proactive, customer-focused attitude. They are the first and last impression many guests will have, so their professionalism is paramount. Working as event staff through our agency offers incredible variety; no two days are the same. It’s a fantastic way to be at the heart of the festival action, see amazing shows, and be part of a dynamic team. For top-tier roles, explore our options to hire banquet and event staff.

Service spotlight: hotel staff
While the festivals take centre stage, Edinburghâs hotels are working at maximum capacity. This creates a huge demand for temporary hotel staff across all departments. We are a leading hotel staffing agency, providing skilled professionals to help hotels manage the surge in guests. Our services cover a wide range of roles. We supply temporary receptionists, including specialised night receptionist for hire in Brighton and other cities, to manage check-ins and guest enquiries around the clock. We also provide housekeeping staff and room attendants to ensure high standards of cleanliness are maintained during the busiest periods. Furthermore, we can supply concierges, porters, and breakfast staff to ensure a seamless guest experience from arrival to departure. Working in a hotel during the festival offers a structured yet exciting environment. Itâs an opportunity to gain experience within established, often prestigious, brands. As a trusted hospitality temp staffing provider, we connect reliable candidates with top hotels, ensuring you get fair pay and valuable experience. We offer comprehensive hospitality recruitment solutions for hotels.
Maximising your chances: tips for landing the best jobs
So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of festival work. But how do you stand out from the crowd and land the best-paying, most interesting roles? The key is preparation. First, get your CV in order. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be clear, concise, and up-to-date. Highlight any and all hospitality experience, even if it was a weekend job years ago. Mention specific skills like cash handling, barista training, or silver service. If you’re new to the industry, focus on transferable skills like teamwork, communication, customer service from retail jobs, and your ability to work under pressure. A positive, can-do attitude is one of the most important things a hospitality recruiter looks for. We are one of the top hospitality recruiters in the country and know what employers want to see. The next step is to be proactive. Don’t wait until July to start looking. The best hospitality recruitment agencies, like us, start recruiting for the festival season months in advance. Get registered with an agency early. This puts you at the front of the queue when the best jobs start coming in.
Once you’re registered, maintain good communication with your recruitment consultant. Let them know your availability and the types of roles you’re most interested in. Be flexible if you can. Being willing to work unsociable hours, like late nights or early mornings, can open up more opportunities. When you get offered an interview or a trial shift, be prepared. Research the company or venue a little bit. Dress smartly and appropriately for the role you’re going for. Arrive on time â or even better, a few minutes early. During the interview, be enthusiastic and positive. Ask questions. It shows you’re genuinely interested. And most importantly, be reliable. If you accept a shift, turn up and do your best. The hospitality world in a city like Edinburgh is smaller than you think. Building a reputation as a reliable and hardworking person is the single best thing you can do for your career. Word gets around, and soon, you’ll be the person that every employer wants on their team. Our hospitality agency in Glasgow follows the same principles of reliability and quality.
Service spotlight: general assistants
General assistants are the versatile all-rounders of the festival world. They are the secret weapon for any event manager or catering supervisor. This role is all about flexibility and a willingness to get stuck in wherever you are needed most. One moment you could be helping to set up a bar, the next you might be restocking supplies, clearing tables, or assisting the kitchen team. As a leading catering temp agency, we are always on the lookout for proactive and adaptable individuals to work as general assistants. No specific experience is required, making this the perfect entry-level job for someone looking to get into the hospitality industry. What you do need is a great work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to follow instructions quickly and efficiently. Our clients value our general assistants because they are reliable problem-solvers who help to keep the entire operation running smoothly. Working in this role provides an incredible overview of how events work and can be a stepping stone to more specialised positions. We provide opportunities across many locations, including with our hospitality recruitment agency in Bournemouth.

Service spotlight: restaurant staff
While pop-ups get a lot of attention, Edinburgh’s established restaurants also experience a massive boom in business during the festival. They often need to bolster their teams with temporary restaurant staff to cope with the influx of diners. As a top restaurant recruitment agency, we provide a full range of staff to support these businesses. This includes skilled waiting staff who can manage sections, take orders, and provide excellent customer service. We also source hosts and hostesses to manage reservations and welcome guests, and bar staff to run the restaurant’s bar. For the kitchen, we can provide chefs and kitchen porters. Working in an established restaurant offers a different experience to a pop-up venue. Itâs often a more structured environment, allowing you to become part of a regular team for the festival period. Itâs a great way to gain experience in a high-end dining setting. We work with some of Edinburgh’s best-known restaurants, giving our candidates the chance to work in top-tier establishments. Our network as a recruiter for restaurant management and staff extends across the UK.
Life on the job: what to expect from festival work
Working during the Edinburgh festival is an experience like no other. Itâs a marathon, not a sprint. You need to be prepared for an intense but hugely rewarding period of work. The hours can be long, and you’ll likely be on your feet for most of your shift. Comfort is key, so invest in a good pair of shoes! The work is fast-paced, and you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and handle pressure. There will be moments when you have a queue of customers ten deep, the kitchen is shouting for more plates, and three things need doing at once. The ability to stay calm, prioritise tasks, and keep a smile on your face is what separates the good hospitality staff from the great. Teamwork is absolutely essential. You’ll be working closely with a diverse group of people, all under the same pressure. Supporting your colleagues, communicating clearly, and pulling together as a team is what gets you through the busiest shifts. The camaraderie that builds among festival staff is one of the best parts of the job.
But it’s not all hard work. The atmosphere is incredible. You’re right in the middle of the world’s biggest arts festival. On your breaks or days off, you can see world-class comedy, theatre, and music. The city is alive 24/7, and there’s a real buzz in the air that you won’t find anywhere else, at any other time of year. You will meet a huge number of people, from your colleagues and customers to the performers and artists themselves. It’s a fantastic social experience. The pay is also a major draw. Because of the high demand for staff, pay rates are competitive. And if you’re in a role like a waiter or bartender, the tips can be substantial, especially in busy venues. It’s a chance to save a good amount of money in a very short space of time. Working with a hospitality staffing agency like ours ensures you’re placed in reputable venues where you’ll be treated fairly and paid properly. We are considered one of the best hospitality recruitment agencies for this reason.
A typical day for festival bar staff
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Arrive for shift, get briefed by the manager. |
| 11:15 AM | Set up the bar: stock fridges, cut fruit, check stock levels. |
| 12:00 PM | Doors open. The first wave of customers arrives. |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Steady service. Serving drinks, taking payments, keeping the bar clean. |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | The pre-theatre rush. It gets very busy. |
| 6:30 PM | Quick break if possible. |
| 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Peak time. The bar is packed. All hands on deck. |
| 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Service slows down. Start pre-closing tasks. |
| 11:30 PM | Last orders. Begin the close-down procedure. |
| 12:30 AM | Bar clean and restocked. Cash up. Shift ends. |
Service spotlight: catering assistants
Catering assistants are the versatile support crew for any food operation. This role is a blend of kitchen assistance, food service, and customer interaction, making it perfect for someone who enjoys variety. As a premier catering recruitment agency, we place hundreds of catering assistants in diverse roles across the festival. You might be working on a street food stall, helping to assemble and serve food to hungry festival-goers. Or you could be in a large-scale catering tent for a corporate event, responsible for plating up meals, running food to tables, and keeping the service area clean and stocked. The key skills for a catering assistant are speed, a can-do attitude, and great communication. You need to be able to listen to instructions from chefs and managers and work efficiently as part of a larger team. Itâs an excellent role for gaining a broad range of hospitality experience. We connect our candidates with the best temporary catering staff agency roles in vibrant settings like Brighton and Edinburgh.

Service spotlight: permanent hospitality staff
While the festival is famous for temporary work, it’s also a fantastic hunting ground for permanent hospitality jobs. Many of our clients use the busy summer period to identify talent for year-round positions. As one of the top hospitality executive search firms, we don’t just focus on temporary placements. We have a dedicated permanent recruitment division that helps professionals find long-term careers. If you’re a talented chef, a skilled restaurant manager, or a hotel operations expert, the festival can be your audition. By taking on a temporary role through our agency, you get the chance to impress potential employers. If they like what they see, a temporary contract can often turn into a permanent offer. We facilitate these transitions, helping you negotiate contracts and secure your dream job. For businesses, this is an ideal “try before you buy” recruitment model. They get to see you in action before making a long-term commitment. For candidates, itâs a low-risk way to find a permanent role in a new city or company. We connect talent with opportunities in key hubs like Birmingham.
Getting started with us: a simple process
We believe that finding your next job should be straightforward. Weâve designed our registration process to be as quick and easy as possible, so you can spend less time filling out forms and more time preparing for your new role. As a leading hospitality staffing company, our goal is to get you working as soon as possible. Hereâs how it works. The first step is to get in touch. You can visit our website and fill out a simple registration form, or give one of our friendly recruitment consultants a call. We’ll ask for your CV and some basic information about your experience and what you’re looking for. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t perfect; we can help you with that. Once we have your details, one of our consultants will contact you for a short, informal chat. This is our chance to get to know you better. We’ll talk about your skills, your ideal job, your availability, and your pay expectations. It’s a two-way conversation, so it’s also your chance to ask us any questions you might have about working with a hospitality temp agency.
After the initial chat, we’ll complete your registration. This involves checking your right to work in the UK and any relevant qualifications you might have, like a food hygiene certificate. Once you’re fully registered with us, you’re part of our team. We’ll start actively looking for suitable roles for you. When a job comes in that matches your profile, we’ll contact you with all the details: the venue, the role, the hours, and the rate of pay. You decide if you want to accept it. There’s no pressure. We want you to be happy and confident in the roles you take. We handle all the communication with the client, so all you have to do is turn up on the day, ready to work. It’s a seamless process designed to support you every step of the way, just as you’d expect from one of the best hospitality recruiters. Our teams across the country, including our hospitality recruitment agency in Leeds, operate with the same efficiency and care.
Your journey with us
- Contact & CV: Send us your CV through our website.
- The Chat: An informal phone call with one of our expert consultants.
- Registration: We’ll check your documents and complete your file.
- Job Matching: We match your profile to suitable live vacancies.
- Job Offers: We’ll call or text you with job opportunities. You accept the ones you want.
- Get to Work: We provide a full brief. You turn up and shine!
- Get Paid: Submit your timesheet, and we’ll pay you promptly.

Service spotlight: waiters and waitresses
The role of a waiter or waitress is central to the dining experience. During the Edinburgh festival, the demand for skilled waiting staff is immense, from casual cafes to fine-dining pop-ups. As a specialist catering recruitment agency, we supply professional waiters and waitresses to a huge variety of venues. We look for individuals with experience in taking orders, carrying plates (often three at a time!), managing a section, and handling payments. But most importantly, we need people with outstanding customer service skills. You are the main point of contact for the diners, and your friendly, efficient service can make or break their experience. We provide staff for both single events and longer-term festival contracts. Working with our agency gives you the flexibility to choose when and where you work, with the security of regular pay and support from our team. Itâs an ideal job for those who enjoy interacting with people and thriving in a busy environment. We offer opportunities in Edinburgh and many other locations.
Service spotlight: kitchen assistants
Kitchen assistants are the engine room of any successful catering operation, especially during the high-pressure festival season. This role is perfect for individuals who are organised, hardworking, and keen to learn more about the culinary world. As a dedicated temporary catering staff agency, we place kitchen assistants in a wide range of environments, from mobile catering units to large hotel kitchens. The duties are varied and can include basic food preparation like peeling and chopping vegetables, assisting chefs with plating dishes, maintaining stock levels, and ensuring the kitchen stations are kept clean and tidy throughout service. Itâs a hands-on role that requires you to be on your feet and ready for anything. No formal qualifications are needed, but a food hygiene certificate is a big advantage. Itâs a fantastic stepping stone to becoming a commis chef, and many of our clients look to promote talented kitchen assistants from within. Find great roles with our hospitality recruitment agency in London.
Frequently asked questions (faqs)
Do I need previous experience to work at the festival?
It depends on the role. For specialised positions like chefs or cocktail bartenders, experience is essential. However, for many other jobs like kitchen porter, general assistant, or basic bar work, a great attitude and a willingness to learn are more important. We are a hospitality employment agency that believes in potential, and we have many entry-level opportunities.
How much can I expect to earn?
Pay rates vary depending on the role, the venue, and your level of experience. However, due to the high demand for staff, wages during the festival are generally very competitive. Roles that involve tips, like bar and waiting staff, can be particularly lucrative. When we offer you a job, we will always be clear about the hourly rate of pay.
What kind of hours will I be working?
The hours are typically long and can be unsociable. Expect to work evenings, weekends, and late nights. Shifts can range from 8 to 12 hours. However, the advantage of working with a temp agency is flexibility. You can tell us your availability, and we will try to find shifts that suit your schedule.
Do I need to be available for the whole of August?
While many venues look for staff who can commit to the entire festival period (roughly 3-4 weeks), there are also opportunities for shorter-term work or single shifts. The more available you are, the more work we can offer you. Let our hospitality recruitment agency in Norwich know your availability.
What should I wear for work?
This depends on the job and the venue. For back-of-house roles, you’ll usually need black trousers, a black t-shirt, and safety shoes. For front-of-house, it might be a smart uniform of black trousers/skirt and a white/black shirt. We will always provide you with a clear dress code for every shift you accept.
I’m not from the UK. Can I still work?
Yes, as long as you have the legal right to work in the UK. We are required by law to check this for every candidate. You will need to provide evidence of your right to work, such as a valid visa or settled status, during the registration process. As one of the leading international hospitality recruitment agencies, we are experienced in this process.
How do I get paid?
When you work for us, you are our employee for the duration of the temporary assignment. You will need to fill out a timesheet for each week you work, which is then signed off by the client. You submit this to us, and we process your payment directly into your bank account. It’s a simple and reliable system. Many people searching for ‘hospitality agency near me’ find our payment system a major plus.
Working with a top-tier agency like ours simplifies the entire process. We are experts in hospitality recruitment and have built a reputation for being reliable, fair, and supportive. We have strong connections across the UK, from our hospitality recruitment Birmingham team to our consultants in Scotland. Let us help you make the most of the incredible opportunities the Edinburgh festival has to offer. Sign up today and get ready for an unforgettable summer of work. We also offer specific solutions, like helping you hire event staff in Norwich. Our reach is extensive, and our commitment to quality is consistent everywhere.
