If you're looking for Catering Assistant jobs in London that put you at the heart of the city's most spectacular events, Team Staffing Agency has the connections and the speed to get you working — fast.
ExCeL London, nestled in the Royal Docks of East London at E16 1XL, is one of Europe's premier international exhibition and conference centres. With over one million square feet of flexible event space and a packed annual calendar ranging from the London Marathon Expo to the Speciality & Fine Food Fair, the demand for skilled, reliable catering professionals here is relentless — and the opportunities for hard-working individuals are extraordinary.
As a specialist catering recruitment agency, Team Staffing Agency has built deep relationships with the caterers, hospitality contractors, and venue operators who power events at ExCeL London every single week. We know their standards, their rosters, and exactly what they look for in a Catering Assistant. That intelligence means faster placements, better-matched roles, and a smoother experience from registration to first shift.
What Does a Catering Assistant Do at ExCeL London?
The role of a Catering Assistant at a major events venue like ExCeL London is dynamic, fast-paced, and genuinely rewarding. You become part of the team that ensures tens of thousands of delegates, exhibitors, and visitors are fed, refreshed, and impressed. Daily responsibilities vary depending on the event, but typically include:
- ◆ Setting up and breaking down catering stations, buffet lines, and beverage points across exhibition halls and conference suites
- ◆ Preparing and presenting cold and hot food items to the venue's specification, including allergen-aware service
- ◆ Delivering front-of-house service at busy delegate lunches, gala dinners, and networking receptions
- ◆ Maintaining strict food hygiene and health & safety standards in compliance with UK food law
- ◆ Clearing and resetting event spaces efficiently between sittings to keep the schedule moving smoothly
- ◆ Supporting kitchen portering and wash-up operations as part of an integrated catering team
Whether the event is an intimate 200-person conference or a 30,000-visitor trade show, the standards expected of Catering Assistants at ExCeL remain consistently high. That is precisely why the venue's catering operators return to Team Staffing Agency — because our pre-screened candidates arrive ready to perform.
Pay Rates & Job Details at a Glance
All rates are above the UK National Living Wage. Updated March 2025.
| Role / Shift Type | Contract | Pay Rate (£/hr) | Location | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catering Assistant (Day) | Temporary | £12.21 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Catering Assistant (Evening/Events) | Temporary | £13.00 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Senior Catering Assistant | Temp-to-Perm | £13.75 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Catering Supervisor | Temp / Contract | £14.50 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Kitchen Porter / Wash-Up | Temporary | £12.21 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Barista / Beverage Attendant | Temporary | £12.50 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Food Prep Assistant | Temporary | £12.21 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Hospitality Team Leader | Permanent | £14.50+ | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Event Waiting Staff | Temporary | £12.50 | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
| Catering Manager (Events) | Contract | £15.00+ | ExCeL London, E16 | Apply → |
Why ExCeL London Is One of the Best Catering Workplaces in the UK
ExCeL London hosts more than 400 events each year, attracting over four million visitors. For a Catering Assistant, that translates into consistent, varied, and well-paid work with genuine exposure to world-class hospitality operations. From international trade exhibitions to celebrity charity galas, every event demands — and rewards — professionalism at the highest level.
The venue is superbly connected. The Elizabeth Line (Custom House station) and the DLR (Prince Regent and Custom House stations) place ExCeL within 15 minutes of central London, making it straightforward for candidates across East and Central London to commute. Free staff parking is also available on-site for drivers.
For those building a career in hospitality and catering in London, ExCeL is a genuine CV-builder. The breadth of experience gained across a single season — international conferences, product launches, live sporting events, and luxury dinners — is rarely matched by restaurant or hotel work alone.
Why Choose Team Staffing Agency for Catering Assistant Recruitment?
Choosing the right staffing agency in London makes an enormous difference to how quickly you start earning and how well your skills are matched to the right employer. Here is why thousands of catering professionals across London trust Team Staffing Agency:
Lightning-Fast Placement
Most Catering Assistant candidates are placed within 24–72 hours. Our compliance team processes documentation swiftly so you can start earning without delay.
Venue-Specific Matching
We don't just fill shifts — we match your skills, experience, and personality to specific event types, caterers, and roles at ExCeL and beyond.
Competitive, Transparent Pay
All roles pay above the National Living Wage. Weekly PAYE payroll, holiday pay entitlement, and full payslip transparency — every time.
Compliance & Support
Full Right to Work checks, DBS where required, food hygiene guidance, and 24/7 consultant support. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on the work.
Career Progression
Temporary roles frequently convert to permanent positions. We actively advocate for our best-performing candidates when clients are hiring on a permanent basis.
Wide London Network
Beyond ExCeL, our hospitality staffing network spans O2 Arena, Olympia, Wembley, and hundreds of London venues.
Who We Are Looking For
You do not need years of catering experience to work with us — but the right attitude is non-negotiable. Our most successful Catering Assistant candidates at ExCeL London share these qualities:
Previous experience in catering, hospitality, events, or food service is advantageous but not always essential for entry-level roles.
How to Get Started in 4 Simple Steps
Register & Upload Your CV
Visit staffing-agency.co.uk/all-jobs and complete your free candidate registration in minutes. Upload your CV, or let our consultants help you build one.
Speak With a Catering Specialist
One of our dedicated catering recruitment consultants will call you to discuss your experience, availability, and preferred shift patterns. We match you to the right opportunities, not just any opening.
Compliance & Onboarding
We conduct fast, thorough compliance checks including Right to Work verification and any required food hygiene documentation. Our streamlined process means minimal waiting time for you.
Start Working at ExCeL London
Receive your first shift confirmation, show up ready to impress, and begin building your catering career at one of London's most iconic venues — with the full backing of Team Staffing Agency's consultant team behind you.
Also Recruiting Across London Hospitality & Beyond
Team Staffing Agency fills roles far beyond Catering Assistants at ExCeL. Explore our wider staffing services:
Conclusion: Your Career at ExCeL London Starts Here
ExCeL London is not just a venue — it is a launchpad. For ambitious Catering Assistants who want to build genuine hospitality expertise while earning above the London average, the events calendar at ExCeL represents month after month of varied, prestigious, and well-paid work. And with Team Staffing Agency as your specialist partner, you have an agency that truly understands the event catering world — from the staffing structures of a 5,000-cover gala dinner to the fast-paced logistics of a three-day international exhibition.
We are proud to be one of the UK's top-rated staffing agencies, with a network of over 50,000 pre-screened candidates and a 100% commitment to reliable, ethical, and professional recruitment. Whether you are new to catering or a seasoned professional looking for consistent work in London, we have the right role and the right employer waiting for you.
Don't wait for the perfect opportunity to come to you. Register with Team Staffing Agency today, and let us put you to work at ExCeL London — and beyond. You can also explore all our catering and hospitality services, or contact our team directly for a swift and friendly conversation about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catering Assistant Jobs at ExCeL London — Team Staffing Agency