At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a passionate team crafting seasonal dishes from scratch at the National Theatre.
- Company: Be part of the iconic National Theatre's Lasdun Restaurant.
- Benefits: Enjoy healthcare, 23 days' leave, meals on duty, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Closed Sundays with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Elevate your culinary skills in a creative, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in scratch cooking and a passion for quality ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31000 £ per year.
Full-Time / Permanent £36,724 (£31,724 Basic + £5k TRONC) + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
We’re looking for a Chef de Partie who genuinely loves cooking from scratch to join the dedicated team at Lasdun Restaurant - a modern British restaurant located within the iconic walls of London’s National Theatre. In this exciting Chef de Partie role you will join a collaborative team that cures meats, ferments and pickles in-house, builds sauces from base ingredients, and works closely with fresh food suppliers to champion field‑to‑fork cooking. Reporting to the Head Chef, the Chef de Partie will be responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the kitchen. If you care about ingredients, technique, and learning your craft properly - we want to hear from you!
Chef de Partie - The role
- Proper scratch cooking - nothing bought in
- Seasonal menus and creative input
- Supportive Head Chef who invests in development
- Rotas planned 2–3 weeks ahead
- Closed Sundays
- A kitchen that values craft, consistency, and people
Responsibilities
- Run your own section during service, delivering consistently high standards of food and presentation
- Prepare, cook, and plate dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients - everything made in‑house
- Work closely with the Head Chef to execute seasonal menus and maintain quality control
- Take pride in classic foundations: stocks, sauces, ratios, curing, fermenting, and prep done properly
- Support daily mise en place and ensure par levels are maintained for smooth service
- Collaborate with FOH to deliver a seamless guest experience and confidently talk about ingredients when needed
- Champion food safety, cleanliness, and organisation - completing H&S checks and end‑of‑service reporting
- Be part of a small, passionate brigade that values learning, consistency, and craft
What we're looking for...
- A positive, determined attitude and desire to keep developing
- Experience in cooking from scratch - not packet cooking
- A strong foundation in classic cooking techniques (mother sauces, ratios, prep methods)
- Curiosity about ingredients, provenance, and seasonal cooking
- A detail‑driven approach with pride in your section
- Experience in independent restaurants or quality gastropubs is a bonus!
What you'll get in return...
- Healthcare & Wellbeing – Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Exclusive Perks & Discounts – Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
- Workplace Benefits – Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
- Leave & Family Support – 23 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby’s 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Career & Financial Support – Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.
- Exclusive National Theatre discounts (15% off outlets, 25% off Bookshop, complimentary show tickets)
- Food & drink discounts (Kerb Card: 50% off drinks, 20% off food at Seven Dials Market)
- VIP last‑minute O2 show tickets (subject to availability)
- Discounted onsite parking (£4/day)
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie - Lasdun | National Theatre NEW Levy Posted today £31,724 per year London Chefs
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 De Partie - Lasdun | National Theatre NEW Levy Posted today £31,724 per year London Chefs
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
