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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, ensuring top-notch food quality and team collaboration.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, partnering with renowned chef Angela Hartnett at the Royal Opera House.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, employee discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a new restaurant experience in a vibrant location with a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Seeking an experienced Head Chef or strong Senior Sous with a passion for seasonal cooking.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor under Angela Hartnett and lead a talented team in a stunning kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A landmark opening. A kitchen built on care, craft and character. A rare opportunity to shape something special.
We’re Company of Cooks, and in partnership with Angela Hartnett MBE, we’re launching an exciting new restaurant and rooftop terrace at the Royal Opera House. With a 150-cover dining room, newly redesigned interiors, and panoramic views over Covent Garden Piazza, this is set to become one of London’s most talked-about new openings.
We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead this kitchen, someone who combines strong leadership with real warmth, has an obsession with great produce and seasonal cooking, and knows how to run a service that’s as calm and confident behind the scenes as it is seamless for guests.
Location: WC2E 9DD
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, 5 over 7
Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum
About the food: Angela Hartnett’s food is ingredient-led, Italian-rooted, and full of soul. The menu will be an all-day offering, from lunch to aperitivo to elegant evening service — built around simplicity, seasonality and depth of flavour. There’s room for creativity, but above all it’s food people want to eat.
About the role: As Head Chef, you’ll be responsible for bringing this vision to life, running the day-to-day kitchen operation, leading a team of around 15 chefs, and working closely with Angela’s team, Company of Cooks leadership, and our General Manager to make the kitchen a truly outstanding place to work — and eat. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in high-volume, high-quality environments. You’ll set the tone in the kitchen, ensure consistency across every dish, and bring structure and inspiration to the way the team works.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading daily service and ensuring food quality, presentation and pace is always on point
- Working closely with our GM and Angela’s team on menu development, daily specials and seasonal changes
- Managing kitchen rotas, recruitment and training to build a strong, motivated brigade
- Upholding kitchen standards across food safety, cleanliness and compliance
- Managing stock, controlling GP, and working with our suppliers to source the best seasonal ingredients
- Creating a positive, inclusive and developmental team culture where everyone is valued and supported
What we’re looking for:
- An experienced Head Chef (or strong Senior Sous ready to step up) with a track record in quality, high-volume kitchens
- A calm, level-headed leader who brings clarity and consistency to every service
- A strong communicator who can collaborate across kitchen, front-of-house and senior teams
- A natural coach and mentor who takes pride in bringing others on and building solid teams
- A real passion for seasonal cooking, with a deep respect for ingredients and the craft of simple, elegant food
What you’ll get from us:
- The opportunity to lead one of London’s most exciting new restaurant openings
- A supportive leadership team and the backing of an established food-focused hospitality business
- Access to mentorship from Angela Hartnett and senior Company of Cooks chefs
- Meals on shift, good coffee, a beautiful kitchen space and a team culture built on care and respect
- Free meals and hot drinks while working, employee discounts, and access to training, development and growth across Company of Cooks and Compass Group.
This is a chance to take on a high-profile, high-reward role, with the space to shape your own kitchen, lead a team in your style, and cook food you can be proud of. If this sounds like the kind of kitchen you want to run, we’d love to hear from you.
We also offer:
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Private medical eligibility
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Head Chef – Angela Hartnett’s New Restaurant at the Royal Opera House employer: Company of Cooks
Contact Detail:
Company of Cooks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef – Angela Hartnett’s New Restaurant at the Royal Opera House
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Angela Hartnett's culinary style and philosophy. Understanding her approach to ingredient-led, Italian-rooted cooking will help you align your vision with the restaurant's concept during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in high-pressure environments. Highlighting your ability to maintain calm and consistency will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network within the culinary community, especially with professionals who have worked with Angela or Company of Cooks. Personal connections can provide valuable insights and potentially give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to seasonal cooking and sourcing quality ingredients. Being able to articulate your passion for these aspects will demonstrate your fit for the role and commitment to the restaurant's vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef – Angela Hartnett’s New Restaurant at the Royal Opera House
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Chef position. Familiarise yourself with Angela Hartnett's culinary style and the vision for the new restaurant.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in high-volume kitchens and leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in seasonal cooking, team management, and menu development to align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and leadership. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team and your approach to creating a positive work environment.
Showcase Your Culinary Philosophy: In your application, express your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with the restaurant's focus on ingredient-led, Italian-rooted cuisine. Discuss your respect for ingredients and your approach to simplicity and flavour in cooking.
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, your leadership will be crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading a team, how you handle high-pressure situations, and examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Seasonal Cooking
Angela Hartnett’s menu focuses on seasonal ingredients. Share your experiences with sourcing local produce, creating seasonal menus, and how you ensure quality and flavour in your dishes.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Discussions
Since you'll be working closely with Angela's team on menu development, think about innovative ideas you can bring to the table. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you incorporate feedback into your cooking.
✨Emphasise Team Culture and Development
A positive team culture is key in this role. Talk about your experience in mentoring and developing chefs, how you foster inclusivity, and any strategies you use to keep your team motivated and engaged.
