At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, crafting delicious British-Indian fusion dishes and managing daily operations.
- Company: Astha's, a vibrant new café in St Johns Wood with a unique culinary twist.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, creative freedom, and a chance to shape a new café experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and creativity in a bustling environment.
- Why this job: Be the heart of a trendy café, showcasing your culinary skills and passion for food.
- Qualifications: Experience in café/restaurant kitchens, strong leadership, and knowledge of British and Indian cuisines.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Astha's is a British style café influenced by North Indian flavours, serving a delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu. Nestled in Belgrave Gardens, St Johns Wood, Astha's offers traditional yet unique Northern Indian food all day. The elegant 30+ seater café (including outside area) will be open from mid-May for breakfast and lunch all week, with plans to open in the evening in autumn '26.
Role Requirement
No sponsorship available. The requirement is for a dynamic, passionate, experienced Chef with a proven track record of working in cafés/restaurants. The candidate should be able to work to the highest standards, including team leadership and motivation, as well as being a team player. A good and comprehensive knowledge of running a busy kitchen environment is essential.
Wide-ranging knowledge is required as this café aims to build a strong following based on flavoursome, well-presented food, drink, and service. The new Chef will be at the heart of the café, being the face and leading activations with senior personnel (owner/on-board consultant). The candidate should have a clear understanding of traditional and modern British cooking, from current techniques to an eye for contemporary presentation. Knowledge of seasonal British ingredients is a must, and the ability to marry them with Indian spices and flavours is an advantage. Training on Indian ingredients and flavours will be provided to the right candidates.
High professional standards are required across the board, including managing the kitchen team well and maintaining hygiene standards to a high level. The Chef must have a clear sense of direction on menu formulation, its profit-making viability, and the ability to adjust to the needs of the business. Good communication skills and the ability to keep abreast of ever-evolving trends in dining and restaurants are also necessary.
The establishment boasts an experienced owner and highly knowledgeable hospitality consultants to ensure that the business is on a forward track with ongoing activations to build and bolster its reputation, with an excellent chef at its heart. A minimum of level 2 food safety is required.
Job responsibilities include:
- Responsibility for the kitchen's daily operations and supervising kitchen staff.
- Liaising with relevant companies/suppliers for food orders.
- Monitoring and controlling stock levels and inventory.
- Ensuring correct stock rotation procedures are followed.
- Preparing the work schedule for all kitchen staff.
- Monitoring portions and waste control.
- Capacity to work under pressure during extremely busy periods.
- The ability to be fully confident and have a good command of the English language.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Competitive (Depending on relevant experience)
Joining: Immediate or Short Notice
Chef- New Cafe in London employer: Astha's
Contact Detail:
Astha's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef- New Cafe in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café scene in your area! Visit local cafés, chat with staff, and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand what makes a successful café tick and give you some great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for a passionate chef or who could put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a signature dish and share it on social media. Tagging the café you're applying to can catch their eye and show them what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef- New Cafe in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and the café culture shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for blending British and Indian flavours, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for food!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Chef at Astha's. Highlight your experience in busy kitchen environments and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can manage a team and maintain high standards, so make that clear!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to showcase your skills and experiences, especially those related to menu formulation and food safety.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Astha's!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astha's
✨Know Your Flavours
Make sure you brush up on both British and North Indian flavours. Be ready to discuss how you can blend these cuisines creatively. Show your passion for food and how you can bring unique dishes to the café.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a chef, you'll be leading a team, so highlight your experience in managing kitchen staff. Share examples of how you've motivated your team in busy environments and maintained high standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Menu Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about menu formulation and how you can create profitable dishes. Discuss seasonal ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the café's offerings while keeping an eye on presentation.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in a busy kitchen, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain your cooking techniques and how you handle pressure during peak times. This will show that you're not just a great cook but also a great communicator.