At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present delicious dishes while learning from co-owner Astha.
- Company: Exciting new British Indian cafe in St Johns Wood.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, unlimited coffee, and daytime shifts.
- Other info: Perfect for those looking to advance their culinary career in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a start-up and shape a vibrant neighbourhood cafe from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen operations and a Level 2 Food Safety Certification.
The predicted salary is between 30816 - 36432 £ per year.
Astha’s is a new British Indian cafe and restaurant in St Johns Wood, opening at the beginning of May. Serving home-style Indian breakfast and lunch dishes with a British influence, we are excited to bring a taste of northern India to this charming London neighbourhood. We’re on the lookout for passionate and skilled people to join our opening team and are recruiting for an experienced full-time chef at Sous level or above (dependant on experience) to start immediately. Menu training will be provided, but a basic understanding of Indian cuisine will be helpful.
Whilst we find our feet during the opening period, you will work in the kitchen alongside co-owner Astha to learn and refine her recipes to the high standard expected. Day-to-day, you will be responsible for food prep, plating, ordering and stock management whilst ensuring exceptional health & safety practices are maintained. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, proactive, willing to learn, wants to contribute ideas and takes pride in their work. This is the perfect role for someone looking to take the next step in their career to lead a small but exciting kitchen.
Responsibilities:- Prepare, cook and present consistently delicious dishes under the guidance of Astha.
- Monitor portion and waste control to maintain profit margins.
- Ensure food is served in accordance with Health & Safety regulations.
- Overseeing the maintenance of kitchen and food safety standards.
- Have a strong knowledge of BoH systems, processes, and paperwork — from stock rotation and order management to compliance and food safety documentation.
- Be committed to maintaining high standards.
- Be punctual for early opening shifts.
- Happy to work weekends during our first six months.
- Have excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Have a Level 2 Food Safety Certification.
- Competitive salary.
- Free staff meal & unlimited coffee when on shift.
- Daytime only.
- The chance to help shape a start-up neighbourhood cafe from the beginning.
- We take pride in providing fair pay to all our staff. We will pay a starting rate of £14.80ph (exc tronc) during your 12-week probation period which will increase to £16.50ph (exc tronc) once passed.
Please note that you must have the Right to Work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Experience: Required
Languages: English – Advanced
Employment: Full-time
Salary: £14.8 – £17 hourly
Benefits: Plus Tronc
Starting time: Immediate start!
About Astha's: Astha’s is a warm, family style cafe with recipes rooted in tradition.
Chef in City of Westminster employer: Astha's
Astha's is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant new British Indian café in the heart of St Johns Wood. With a focus on fair pay, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, employees can enjoy free meals and unlimited coffee during shifts while contributing to the exciting journey of shaping a start-up neighbourhood café. This role not only provides a chance for culinary growth under the guidance of co-owner Astha but also fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before you apply, pop by Astha’s for a coffee and soak in the atmosphere. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with current staff or even other chefs in the area. Building connections can give you insider info about the role and might just land you a recommendation when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish you’ve created that showcases your understanding of Indian cuisine. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive! After applying, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the position. A little persistence can go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about cooking and what excites you about Indian cuisine. Share any personal experiences or dishes that inspire you – we love to see that enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in kitchen roles. Focus on your skills in food prep, stock management, and any knowledge of health & safety practices. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic and proactive, so show us who you are and what makes you a great fit for our café!
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both of us, please apply directly through our website. This way, we can keep track of your application and get back to you quicker. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astha's
✨Know Your Indian Cuisine Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Indian cuisine. Familiarise yourself with key ingredients and cooking techniques that are commonly used in home-style Indian dishes. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with Astha during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage kitchen operations, from stock rotation to compliance with health and safety regulations. Bring examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position at Astha's.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Proactivity
Astha’s is looking for someone who is eager to learn and contribute ideas. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the role and share any innovative ideas you have for the menu or kitchen operations. This will highlight your proactive nature and fit for the team.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask about the café's vision and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Questions about the training process or how you can contribute to shaping the café will impress the interviewers.
