TLDR: Caterer.com has long been used for hospitality hiring in the UK, but its high costs, broad focus, and outdated interface are turning employers away. This platform offers a chef-first, affordable alternative—built specifically for UK kitchens. From better pricing to verified candidates and human support, here’s why more recruiters are making the switch.
Introduction
Hiring chefs in today’s market isn’t as simple as posting a job and hoping for the best. With rising costs, candidate shortages, and time-sensitive vacancies, UK hospitality employers need platforms that are fast, focused, and fairly priced.
Caterer.com may offer visibility, but is it really delivering value for money? In this post, we compare it with a chef-specific alternative that’s redefining how smart restaurants and agencies recruit in 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Caterer.com: Pricing & What You Actually Get
Caterer.com has been around for years, serving a broad segment of the UK hospitality industry. Its name carries weight—but its pricing structure and usability often leave employers second-guessing their investment.
Cost Breakdown (2025):
- Basic Listing: £199 + VAT
- Branded Listings: From £350
- Access to CV Database: Only available via expensive plans
- Monthly Packages: Typically £750+
Key Features:
- Listings viewed across a general hospitality audience
- Basic applicant tracking
- Some employer branding options (extra cost)
- Access to CVs (if upgraded)
While these features may suit large hotel groups or corporate chains, many independent restaurants and agencies find the platform rigid and overpriced.
2. What Users Are Saying About Caterer.com
Across reviews, forums, and client feedback, several pain points keep appearing:
- Pricing Too High for Most Kitchens
- A single listing can cost more than £200—and that’s without boosting visibility or gaining access to the CV database.
- Frustrating User Experience
- Hiring teams often report clunky navigation, slow load times, and a lack of mobile-friendly design.
- Generic Candidate Matches
- The platform isn’t built specifically for chef roles, which means job posts often attract irrelevant applications.
- Customer Support Feels Distant
- Many users cite slow response times, limited personal support, and difficulty getting help when needed.
- Features Hidden Behind Paywalls
- Want to reach more chefs or search profiles? You’ll need to upgrade—again.
For a platform that charges premium rates, many recruiters feel the experience doesn’t match the price.
3. A Recruitment Platform Built for Chefs
Unlike general job boards, The Chef Network was built specifically for the chef industry—from line cooks to head chefs and everything in between. Here, hospitality employers can connect directly with verified culinary professionals in a network designed to support both hiring and career growth.
Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees):
- Standard Job Post: £49 (flat fee)
- Featured Listing: £99
- Monthly Recruiter Plans: Scalable and affordable
Built-In Features That Work for You:
- Easy 3-step job posting
- Searchable profiles of active chefs
- Direct messaging and applicant filtering
- Mobile-first design
- Responsive, human-led support
- Access to a chef-focused community
Whether you’re running a hotel kitchen or staffing for a pop-up, the platform adapts to your hiring style and timeline.
4. Caterer.com vs. The Chef Network: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Feature | Caterer.com | The Chef Network |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | £199 | £49 |
Chef-Specific Audience | No | Yes |
Community Access | None | Included |
User Interface | Dated | Streamlined |
Candidate Search | Limited, paid upgrade | Full access included |
Customer Support | Automated, slow response | Human, responsive |
5. Five Reasons Employers Are Making the Switch
- Significant Cost Savings: A single job post costs less than a quarter of Caterer.com’s basic fee.
- Focused Talent Pool: Only chefs and culinary professionals, reducing irrelevant applications.
- Better User Experience: Mobile-friendly, simple posting process, and faster browsing.
- Direct Communication: Built-in messaging allows quick candidate engagement without delays.
- Community and Support: Real human support plus a network of industry peers for advice and referrals.
Conclusion
While Caterer.com helped define online hospitality recruitment for many years, the market is evolving fast. With rising costs and more niche hiring needs, it’s time to choose platforms designed around your specific requirements.
The Chef Network offers a cost-effective, chef-focused alternative, backed by human support and a community of culinary professionals. Whether you’re a restaurant, agency, or hotel, switching can save money, time, and frustration.
Is Caterer.com still the best option for hiring chefs in the UK?
Not for most. Its high prices and broad focus lead to irrelevant applicants and slower hires. The Chef Network is cheaper, faster, and built solely for chef recruitment.
How much does it cost to post a chef job on The Chef Network vs. Caterer.com?
Caterer.com starts at £199 per post. The Chef Network charges just £49 with full access to features—no upgrades needed to reach verified chefs.
What makes The Chef Network better for hiring chefs?
It’s chef-first, mobile-friendly, and offers fast support. You reach qualified chefs directly, saving time and money while hiring smarter.