The perks, the downside, the hours ? here's your complete overview of the sector...
The UK hospitality industry employs more than 1.8million people across four sectors:
- hotels
- restaurants
- pubs, clubs and bars
- contract catering/food services
Hotels
So what's the hotel industry like?
The UK hotel sector employs more than 222,000 people, in establishments ranging from small, country houses to five-star hotels on London's Park Lane. The sector offers a wealth of opportunities, with a wealth of roles ranging from housekeeping to concierge to working on reception, in management or the kitchens.
What are the perks?
If you like travel, you'll love hotels. There are lots of opportunities abroad, especially at the five-star end of the market. Start out with an international company in London, and you could be in the Caribbean a few years later.
Are there any downsides?
Hours can be long and unsociable. Often you'll be busy when your friends are at play ? or asleep!
Restaurants
I've worked in the training restaurant at college, but what's it like in the real world?
With more than 122,000 establishments, the restaurant sector is the largest in the hospitality industry. Of that number, 95 per cent employ fewer than ten people. It's a diverse sector, made up mainly of independent owners offering a wide range of foods, including traditional European and Asian cuisine.
What about fast food restaurants?
The fast-food sector offers good opportunities. If you dream of managing your own store before you're 25, this could be the sector for you.
Are there any downsides?
The hours can be unsociable: most restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, and some for breakfast, too. This means early mornings and late nights on your feet.
What's the buzz?
Satisfied customers admiring the latest plate of glorious food paraded in front of them. Chefs seem to enjoy working mad hours in very hot rooms, under huge pressure!
Do I have to come to London to work at the top end of the restaurant trade?
Not necessarily. There are top-quality chefs working in restaurants all over the country. To name but a very few: Paul Heathcote in Manchester, Michael Gill in Leeds, Andrew Radford in Edinburgh and Nick Nairn in Glasgow.
Pubs
I really like the idea of working in a pub. What's it like?
There are more than 110,000 UK public houses, employing some 271,000 staff. Many pubs are owned by major companies like Whitbread, Bass and Scottish & Newcastle. But with an increasing emphasis on gourmet food and service, the sector is diversifying too.
So can I drink beer and chat with my mates while I work?
That's not really the attitude. It's not permitted to drink while serving behind the bar. As for chatting with your friends, your boss is more likely to encourage you to take orders.
Are there any perks?
Working in a busy bar on a Friday night can be a real buzz. It's hard work but it can be very rewarding.
Anything else I should know?
Sometimes people get rowdy in pubs, so you'll need a firm hand and diplomatic skills.
Contract catering/food services
What does contract catering involve?
Contract catering covers an array of provision services. The food served at top events such as Wimbledon or Ascot, and in staff restaurants or university canteens, is all provided by contract caterers. Some companies offer associated services like cleaning to provide a comprehensive package for hospitals and schools.
Student food and staff restaurants ? is that exciting?
Some of the most innovative chefs of recent years have allied themselves to contract catering companies. Gordon Ramsay has been a consultant for Singapore Airlines, for instance, which of course uses a contract caterer to provide in-flight food.
What are the hours like?
It depends where you're working. Working for a caterer that provides staff meals to the City of London, for instance, and you could just work an eight-hour day, five days a week. Event catering can involve much longer hours.
Why do people choose to work in this sector?
Many professionals have realised that working in contract catering allows them a better quality of life than other hospitality sectors.
Is there any travel involved?
It depends on who you work for. If you join a caterer who is contracted to feed a travelling British sports team, time to update your passport...