With kitchens across the industry struggling to find staff, experts stressed the need for positivity and action in the face of the issue.
Attendees also said the knowledge that being a pub chef has an enticing and rewarding career path - with the potential to go on and run your own business - was not readily available and should be promoted more.
Speaking at the event, Anglian Country Inns managing director James Nye said: "There are so many success stories of pot washers working their way up to become great head chefs in pub kitchens.
"If you have drive and ambition, then you can run your own kitchen and cook the sort of food you want... and this is happening."
The PMA's chef shortage round table was held in association with Fuller's and Star Pubs & Bars at the Truscott Arms, Maida Vale, London.
