Head Chef – French Bistro, Surbiton
About us
Bordelaise is an independent French bistro group with sites in Surbiton and Ewell, built on ten years of trading at Tooting Broadway Market. We cook classic French bistro food with honesty and care, using good ingredients and proper technique, and we're proud of our loyal local following.
The role
We're looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Bordelaise Surbiton on Maple Road. You'll own the kitchen day to day, from menu development and ordering to running the pass and developing your team. You'll work closely with the directors and have real input into the direction of the food.
What you'll do
Run a busy bistro kitchen across lunch and dinner service
Develop seasonal menus and specials rooted in French bistro cooking
Manage GP, ordering, stock control and supplier relationships
Lead, train and motivate the kitchen brigade
Maintain excellent food hygiene and safety standards (we expect a 5-star rating)
Help with rotas, prep systems and consistency across the group
What we're looking for
Experience as a Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up
A solid grounding in French or classical European cooking
Calm, organised leadership under pressure
A good grasp of costing, GP and kitchen admin
Level 2 Food Hygiene or above (Level 3 preferred)
Right to work in the UK
What we offer
£45,000–£50,000 per year, including service charge
Performance bonus on top
Creative input into menus within an independent, growing group
Staff meals and staff discount across both sites
Paid holiday and workplace pension
Supportive owners who are hands-on and easy to reach
How to apply
Send your CV and a short note about your cooking style and recent roles. We'll be in touch with shortlisted candidates for a chat and a trial shift.
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Head Chef in Bexley employer: Bordelaise Surbiton
Bordelaise is an excellent employer for those passionate about French bistro cooking, offering a supportive and low-ego kitchen culture in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Surbiton and Ewell. With competitive pay, staff meals, and generous discounts, we prioritise employee growth and development within our close-knit team, making it a rewarding place to advance your culinary career.
