If 2025 felt like a challenge when it came to finding good chefs, 2026 is shaping up to be even more competitive.
Across hotels, restaurants, and catering groups, the UK hospitality industry is entering a new era of recruitment, one where traditional methods no longer deliver the results they once did.
At Mark Duffey Recruitment, we’re already seeing what’s coming, changing visa rules, evolving candidate expectations, and a smaller, more selective talent pool.
If you plan to grow or stabilise your kitchen team in 2026, it’s time to start thinking differently about how you hire.
Why the chef shortage isn’t going away in 2026
The pressure on chef recruitment continues for several reasons –
Reduced international access. With chefs no longer on the Skilled Worker visa list, recruiting from abroad remains extremely difficult. This leaves employers relying heavily on the domestic market, one that’s already stretched thin.
Skills pipeline concerns. Fewer young people are entering catering colleges, and retention rates in junior kitchen roles are low. The talent funnel simply isn’t refilling fast enough.
Rising candidate expectations. Chefs are placing higher value on work-life balance, career progression, and mental health support. Businesses that don’t offer these things will struggle to attract or retain talent.
Inflationary wage growth. Employers are under pressure to increase salaries in line with cost of living and chefs know their worth in a candidate-driven market.
The reality? 2026 will reward the employers who adapt and leave behind those still hiring like it’s 2019.
What employers need to do differently
To stay competitive, hospitality employers will need to rethink their approach to recruitment –
Plan ahead. Reactive hiring no longer works. Build talent pipelines and start conversations before vacancies appear.
Invest in retention. Keeping the chefs you already have is cheaper and easier than replacing them. Focus on training, recognition, and positive kitchen culture.
Show your value as an employer. Chefs are choosing workplaces that align with their personal and professional goals. Promote your kitchen’s culture, creativity, and progression opportunities.
Simplify your process. Long hiring processes are losing top talent to quicker competitors. Move fast when you find the right fit.
Partner with a specialist recruiter. Generalist agencies won’t cut it. The best chefs trust recruiters who understand the industry and know which kitchens truly deliver on their promises.
The roles that will be hardest to fill in 2026
While the overall market is tight, we expect continued high demand for –
Head Chefs & Executive Chefs – particularly in boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and gastro-led pubs.
Sous Chefs – the bridge between kitchen leadership and hands-on service. A vital but often under-supplied role.
Chef de Partie & Commis – a pipeline challenge for many kitchens, especially outside major cities.
Specialist chefs – including pastry, plant-based, and world-cuisine experts, who are in growing demand across modern menus.
If you need to recruit in these categories, starting early in 2026 will make all the difference.
How Mark Duffey Recruitment is helping employers get ahead
We’re not just filling jobs, we’re helping hospitality businesses future-proof their kitchens.
Here’s how we support our clients –
Market insight – We keep track of salary trends, visa changes, and chef movement across the UK.
Targeted sourcing – We don’t wait for applicants, we actively headhunt and maintain long-term relationships with skilled chefs.
Tailored recruitment plans – Whether you’re hiring for one key role or building an entire team, we’ll create a strategy that fits your operation.
What to focus on heading into 2026
If you’re planning your 2026 recruitment strategy, here are three practical steps to take now –
Review your current team structure. Where are the pressure points? Which roles would cause the biggest issue if they became vacant?
Evaluate your employer reputation. Are you seen as a destination kitchen for chefs, or just another stop on the CV?
Build a relationship with your recruiter early. The best results come from long-term collaboration, not last-minute SOS calls.
Final thoughts
The UK’s chef recruitment landscape is evolving and 2026 will be a defining year for employers who are serious about attracting and retaining talent.
At Mark Duffey Recruitment, we specialise in helping hospitality businesses find chefs who not only have the skill but also the attitude, stability, and passion that kitchens thrive on.
Contact us to start building your pipeline early and make sure your kitchen is fully staffed, inspired, and ready for a strong year ahead.