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- Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, develop seasonal menus, and collaborate on wine pairings.
- Company: Charleys Flat, a new wine bar with a focus on community and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wine training, staff meals, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a small, ambitious team with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape a restaurant from the ground up in a relaxed, creative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong cooking background, leadership skills, and a passion for food and wine.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Charleys Flat is a new wine bar and kitchen opening this June in SW London, built by a former Senior Wine Buyer at Oddbins & founder of BottleCrate, alongside a former owner of a well-loved Australian café & wine bar. We are creating a wine-led neighbourhood spot built around seasonal food, serious wine and genuinely warm hospitality. Thoughtful but not pretentious. Design-led but relaxed. A place people come for a glass and stay all evening.
The space has been fully renovated and sits off one of South West London's busiest high streets, with a beautiful open dining room, strong local demographic and a concept built around repeat neighbourhood trade. Think:
- seasonal sharing plates
- artisan produce
- changing menus
- daily specials
- great music
- thoughtful wine pairings
We are looking for either: a current Head Chef wanting a more creative, personal environment or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up into a leadership role.
Why this role is exciting: This is a genuine chance to help shape a restaurant from the ground up, not walk into a rigid corporate structure. You will work directly with the founders on:
- menu development
- seasonal changes
- supplier sourcing
- wine pairing ideas
- kitchen culture and direction
We want someone creative, calm, collaborative and excited by food that works beautifully with wine.
What we are looking for:
- Strong seasonal cooking background
- Good palate and attention to detail
- Comfortable leading a small kitchen service
- Organised with prep, ordering and standards
- Interested in wine and pairing (training provided)
- Positive leadership style and team mentality
- Someone who genuinely enjoys hospitality and hosting
More than anything, we are looking for taste, curiosity and personality.
What's on offer:
- £45,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
- Real creative input from day one
- Opportunity to grow into a future group-level role
- Small, ambitious founder-led team
- Wine training alongside a buyer & MW candidate
- Wine at cost
- Staff meals
- 28 days holiday
- Pension scheme
- Supportive, professional and inclusive working environment
To Apply: Apply here or DM directly for an informal chat. Opening June 2026.
Head Chef Wine Bar in Clapham employer: Charley s
Contact Detail:
Charley s Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Wine Bar in Clapham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the founders and their vision for Charleys Flat. Reach out for an informal chat to show your enthusiasm and understanding of their concept. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few seasonal dish ideas that pair well with wine. Bring these to the conversation when you meet them; it’ll demonstrate your passion and how you can contribute to the menu development.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership style during interviews. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture in the past. They’re looking for someone who can lead a small team with a collaborative spirit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your love for hospitality! Talk about your experiences hosting and creating memorable dining experiences. This role is all about warmth and connection, so let your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Wine Bar in Clapham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food and Wine: When writing your application, let your love for seasonal cooking and wine shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in the kitchen and your understanding of wine pairings. We want to see your personality and passion come alive on the page!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in leading a kitchen or working with seasonal menus. We’re looking for someone who fits our vibe, so show us how you align with our vision for Charleys Flat.
Be Authentic and Personable: We value genuine connections, so don’t be afraid to let your true self come through in your application. Share anecdotes that reflect your leadership style and team mentality. We want to know what makes you tick and how you can contribute to our warm hospitality.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the conversation. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Charleys Flat!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charley s
✨Know Your Seasonal Ingredients
Make sure you’re well-versed in seasonal produce and how it can elevate your dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would incorporate them into the menu at Charleys Flat.
✨Showcase Your Wine Knowledge
Since this role is wine-led, brush up on your wine pairings and be prepared to share your thoughts on how certain wines complement specific dishes. Even if you’re not an expert yet, showing enthusiasm for learning will impress the founders.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve led a team or handled kitchen challenges. Highlight your positive leadership style and how you foster collaboration within a small team.
✨Bring Your Personality to the Table
Charleys Flat is all about warmth and hospitality, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passion for food and hospitality, and don’t hesitate to express your excitement about being part of a creative environment.