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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create seasonal dishes, and shape the menu from day one.
- Company: Exciting new wine bar in SW London with a relaxed, personal vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, wine training, and free staff meals.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a fun, friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Join a small, creative team and make a real impact on our culinary direction.
- Qualifications: Experience as a head chef or strong sous chef ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Charley's Flat is opening a new kind of wine bar in June in SW London, created by a former Senior Wine Buyer at Oddbins and a former owner of a much-loved Aussie cafe & wine bar. We are building a space focused on great food, serious wine, and genuine hospitality - relaxed, personal, and design-led rather than traditional or corporate.
We are looking for a Lead Chef or a Sous Chef ready to step into a Lead Chef role and help shape the kitchen from day one. This role suits a chef looking to move away from larger, more rigid kitchens into a more personal, creative environment with real input and room to grow.
Why this role is different:
- Small, founder-led team (no corporate layers)
- Real creative input on menu and direction
- Wine-led food, not just kitchen output
- Built for people who care about hosting, not just service
What's on offer:
- £38-42k with clear progression to Head Chef level
- An opportunity to grow into a group-level role as future sites open
- 28 days holiday
- Pension scheme
- Wine training and exposure, working alongside a buyer and MW candidate
- Wine at cost
- Free staff meals for a party of 4
- 50% off the bill
- Dental coverage
- Executing your creative flair
- Includes a 12.5% service charge distribution boosting overall earnings
Experience & Requirements:
- Currently a head chef or previous experience as a Sous Chef feeling ready to step up
- Confident running a small service and managing prep
- Strong understanding of seasonal, ingredient-led cooking
- Interest in wine (or willingness to learn - we will teach you)
- Right to work in the UK
- Food Hygiene Level 2
We are far more interested in your palate, attitude, and ideas than formal qualifications.
Who this suits:
A current head chef or a strong Sous Chef who wants more ownership and creativity, is ready to step up, and is looking for a more personal, design-led environment over a traditional kitchen setup.
Apply DM me directly or apply here - happy to chat informally first.
Head Chef in Clapham employer: Charley s
Contact Detail:
Charley s Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Clapham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know about openings at places like Charley's Flat. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet the team or have an informal chat, bring some ideas for seasonal dishes or wine pairings. This will demonstrate your passion and fit for their unique vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! Charley's Flat is all about genuine hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere. Let your personality shine through during interviews or chats; they want someone who fits their friendly and adventurous team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen and ready to be part of something special from the ground up.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Clapham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and creativity shine through. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. We want to see your personality and flair!
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your relevant experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef. Talk about your management skills and how you've run a small service before. We’re looking for someone who can step up and take charge from day one!
Express Your Interest in Wine: Since we’re a wine-led venue, it’s a great idea to mention any interest or experience you have with wine. If you’re keen to learn more, let us know! We’re all about sharing knowledge and growing together.
Keep It Personal and Relaxed: Remember, we’re not a corporate kitchen! Write your application in a friendly tone that reflects our vibe. Feel free to be informal and genuine; we want to get to know the real you. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charley s
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you have a solid understanding of seasonal, ingredient-led cooking. Be prepared to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu. This shows your passion for food and creativity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head Chef, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Share examples of how you've managed a kitchen or mentored junior chefs in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative and friendly environment.
✨Express Your Wine Knowledge
Since this role is wine-led, brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. If you're not already familiar, show your willingness to learn by discussing your interest in wine and how you see it pairing with your dishes.
✨Be Yourself
This is a relaxed and personal space, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your culinary journey, your inspirations, and what excites you about being part of a small, founder-led team. Authenticity goes a long way!