The catering and hospitality sector in Bristol
- Head chef salary (July 2019) in Bristol: £32,030.77 a year / £15.26 per hour
- Sous chef salary (July 2019) in Bristol: £24,812.86 a year / £11.95 per hour
- Chef de partie salary (July 2019) in Bristol: £22,073.42 a year / £11.93 per hour
From Brunel to Banksy, Bristol has a long history of being industrious, innovative and leftfield. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that the city’s burgeoning bar and restaurant scene displays these traits.
With cultural diversity, strong support for sustainably-sourced food and local pride in independent food businesses, Bristol’s culinary climate has morphed into something rather special. Outside of London, few cities in the UK can compete, and Bristol’s five Michelin-star restaurants are a testament to the influence the city is having on the British food scene. And as for drink, you’ll find everything from high-end cocktail bars to cosy speakeasies – as well as some of the best cider in the country.
For catering and hospitality workers moving to the city, there are few places in the West of England that provide so many great opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re a junior sous chef with a great eye for detail, an experienced chef heading up a kitchen team, or a part-time barista supplementing your studies, there’s never been a better time to work in catering and hospitality in Bristol.
In our sector, wages in Bristol are some of the most competitive outside the capital. According to our latest data, a head chef in Bristol can expect to take home about £32,000 a year, which is more than other up-and-coming food cities such as Birmingham or Liverpool. Meanwhile, a commis chef can earn up to £19,500 – above the national average.
Great wages are one thing, but it’s also important to have professional development opportunities. Thankfully, Bristol has you covered there, too. Various cookery classes can be found via the Bristol Food Network website.
Bristol is booming. In 2018, more than 50 new venues opened across the city, from authentic Caribbean eateries to cult burger joints. And with millennials and Generation Zers flocking to the city, the Bristolian food and drink scene is set to soar to stratospheric levels.
