At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious Bajan dishes while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
- Company: Join BARBS, the UK's first fast-casual Bajan food brand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff food, pension, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team at the National Theatre and Queen of Hoxton.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting brand redefining Caribbean food in iconic London venues.
- Qualifications: 2+ years kitchen experience and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you a chef who thrives under pressure, takes pride in every plate and wants to be part of something genuinely exciting? BARBS is hiring - and we'd love to hear from you. BARBS is the UK's first fast‑casual Bajan food brand, operating at Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch and at a new kiosk at the National Theatre on London's South Bank for the summer.
The Role
You'll be based primarily at our National Theatre kiosk on the iconic South Bank, with shifts at our Queen of Hoxton site in Shoreditch. Working closely with the Executive/Head Chef and the wider kitchen team, you will cover prep, service and close – cooking BARBS dishes to spec and keeping the kitchen running like clockwork. You will also support private hire and corporate events as required.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Prepare and cook BARBS dishes to spec, nailing the flavour, presentation and portion size every time
- Lead daily prep, set up your station and keep the kitchen organised throughout service
- Work at pace during busy service without dropping standards – we're a high‑volume operation at world‑class venues
- Keep the kitchen clean and fully compliant throughout the shift
- Handle ordering, deliveries, stock checks and ingredient storage
- Follow food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures at all times and complete temperature logs and cleaning records
- Engage confidently with customers – share the BARBS story, talk about the menu and help turn curiosity into sales
Sites & Hours
- National Theatre Kiosk (primary site): 7 days a week, 12:00–21:00 (April to September)
- Queen of Hoxton: Wednesday to Sunday, 17:00–23:00
All shifts include prep before service and closing duties after.
What We're Looking For
- 2+ years of professional kitchen experience (commis, line cook or above)
- Proven ability to work fast and accurately under pressure without cutting corners
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (required)
- Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen management
- Reliable, punctual and a genuine team player
- Fluent English and right to work in the UK
- Comfortable moving between two sites (approx. 50% travel between locations)
- Knowledge of Caribbean or Bajan food is a bonus
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary, full‑time (5 days a week)
- Staff food on every shift
- Company pension
- The chance to work at two of London's most iconic venues – Queen of Hoxton and the National Theatre on the South Bank
- Real opportunity to grow with an ambitious, independent brand that's redefining Caribbean food in the UK
- A supportive, close‑knit team that cares about doing things right
If you're ready to bring your skills to a brand making waves in London's food scene, we want to hear from you. Apply now – we're looking to hire quickly.
Chef employer: Barbs
BARBS is an exceptional employer for chefs seeking a dynamic and rewarding environment. With locations at the iconic National Theatre and Queen of Hoxton, employees enjoy the thrill of working in world-class venues while being part of a close-knit team that values quality and creativity. The company offers competitive salaries, staff meals, and genuine opportunities for growth within an ambitious brand that is transforming Caribbean cuisine in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Barbs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Barbs
Don't be shy about reaching out to Barbs directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Barbs and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barbs
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
