At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional Italian cuisine at the Royal Opera House.
- Company: Cicoria, an Italian restaurant in partnership with renowned chef Angela Hartnett.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, quality team meals, uniform provided, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile venue and make your mark in a vibrant culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with a passion for Italian cooking.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Set within the iconic Royal Opera House, Cicoria is an Italian restaurant and terrace bar created in partnership with renowned chef Angela Hartnett. Our food is generous, seasonal and rooted in Italian cooking, with a service style that is warm, relaxed and full of personality.
We are looking for a talented and experienced Senior Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading the Cicoria kitchen. This is a brilliant opportunity for a confident chef who loves Italian food, takes real pride in consistency and wants to be part of a high-profile restaurant in one of London's most unique venues.
About the RoleAs Senior Sous Chef, you'll work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently excellent food across restaurant service, terrace dining, pre-theatre menus, post-show trade and events. You'll help set the tone in the kitchen, supporting the team through busy services, maintaining high standards and making sure every plate leaves the pass with care and confidence.
You will:
- Support the Head Chef in leading, training and developing the kitchen team.
- Deliver beautiful, consistent Italian food with a focus on quality ingredients and seasonality.
- Run sections and services confidently, stepping up to lead the kitchen when needed.
- Be calm, organised and positive under pressure.
- Work closely with front of house to support a smooth and memorable guest experience.
- Help manage prep, ordering, stock, wastage and kitchen organisation.
- Understand food cost, GP and the commercial side of a successful kitchen.
- Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, allergens and health and safety.
- Bring energy, ideas and pride to menus, terrace moments, seasonal specials and events.
- Help create a kitchen culture where people feel supported, challenged and proud of the food they serve.
We are looking for someone with strong experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant, hotel or premium hospitality environment. Experience with Italian cooking would be a real advantage, but more important is passion, personality and a genuine love of good food.
What We OfferA senior kitchen role in one of London's most unique venues. Targeted earnings of £50-£55k per annum. The chance to work in an Italian restaurant connected to Angela Hartnett and the Royal Opera House. A supportive senior team and the opportunity to grow with Cicoria. Quality team meals on duty. Uniform provided. Paid holiday. Staff benefits and recognition programmes. Career development within a respected hospitality group. A busy and varied environment, from restaurant service to terrace dining, events and performance-led trade. Beyond experience, we're looking for someone with warmth, pride and ambition. A chef who leads by example, supports the team and cares about delivering food that guests remember.
Apply now.
Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House in Islington employer: CH&CO
Cicoria, located within the iconic Royal Opera House, offers an exceptional opportunity for a Senior Sous Chef to thrive in a vibrant and supportive environment. With a focus on Italian cuisine and a commitment to quality, employees benefit from targeted earnings of £50-£55k, career development opportunities, and a culture that values warmth and teamwork. Join us to be part of a unique culinary experience where your passion for food and leadership can shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House in Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get chatting with fellow chefs and industry folks at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, whip up a dish or two and share it on social media. Tag the restaurant or chef you’re interested in. It’s a great way to get noticed and show your passion for Italian cuisine.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview like it’s a dinner service! Research the Royal Opera House and Cicoria, and come armed with ideas for seasonal specials or menu enhancements. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House in Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Italian Cuisine:When writing your application, let your love for Italian food shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and make it clear why you want to be part of our team at Cicoria.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to mention your leadership experience. Talk about how you've supported and developed kitchen teams in the past, and how you can bring that energy to our kitchen.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for this role! Be specific about your previous roles, especially if you've worked in high-pressure environments or with Italian cuisine. The more details, the better!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Royal Opera House!
How to prepare for a job interview at CH&CO
✨Know Your Italian Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Italian cooking techniques and ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would put your spin on them. This shows your passion for the cuisine and helps you connect with the restaurant's ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training and developing staff, as well as how you maintain morale during busy services. This will demonstrate that you're not just a great cook, but also a strong leader.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food costs, GP, and stock management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for a Senior Sous Chef and shows that you can contribute to the kitchen's overall success.
✨Bring Your Personality
The Royal Opera House values warmth and personality, so let yours shine through! Share your ideas for seasonal specials or how you would enhance the guest experience. This will help you stand out as someone who fits into their vibrant kitchen culture.
