Head Chef Wine Bar in London

Head Chef Wine Bar in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a creative kitchen, develop seasonal menus, and collaborate on wine pairings.
  • Company: Charleys Flat, a new wine bar with a relaxed yet design-led atmosphere.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, wine training, staff meals, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a small, ambitious team and enjoy a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape a restaurant from the ground up and make your mark in a vibrant community.
  • 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 London employer: Charley s

Charleys Flat is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape a vibrant wine bar and kitchen in the heart of SW London. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and a supportive work culture, employees can expect real input from day one, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a warm, inclusive environment. Enjoy competitive salary packages, wine training, and a chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding hospitality.
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Contact Detail:

Charley s Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef Wine Bar in London

✨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. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also your passion for the role and the restaurant's ethos.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your leadership style during interviews. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive kitchen culture in the past. We want to see that you can lead a small team while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and collaborative.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to express your love for hospitality! Share stories about memorable dining experiences you've created or enjoyed. This will resonate with the warm, inviting vibe Charleys Flat aims to cultivate.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Wine Bar in London

Menu Development
Seasonal Cooking
Wine Pairing
Supplier Sourcing
Kitchen Leadership
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Positive Leadership Style
Collaboration
Hospitality
Creativity
Curiosity
Personality

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food and Wine: When writing your application, let us see your love for seasonal cooking and wine pairing shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in the kitchen and your enthusiasm for crafting memorable dining experiences.

Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your application. Whether it’s your leadership style or your approach to hospitality, let us see what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our warm, welcoming vibe.

Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit: Since we’re all about teamwork here at Charleys Flat, make sure to mention any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with others in a kitchen setting. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, so show us how you can bring that positive energy!

Keep It Professional but Relaxed: While we love a casual approach, remember to keep your application polished. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A well-organised application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in our kitchen!

How to prepare for a job interview at Charley s

✨Know Your Seasonal Ingredients

Familiarise yourself with 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. This will demonstrate your passion for both food and wine.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team and how you foster a collaborative environment. Share examples of how you've worked closely with front-of-house staff to create a seamless dining experience.

✨Bring Your Personality

Charleys Flat is all about warmth and hospitality, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Head Chef Wine Bar in London
Charley s
Location: London

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