At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a brand-new kitchen, develop exciting menus, and create delicious dishes.
- Company: Exciting new café concept in Kidbrooke Village, South East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, free meals, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for creative freedom and career growth from day one.
- Why this job: Shape a unique dining experience and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 48000 £ per year.
£42,000–£48,000 + Performance Bonus | Kidbrooke, South East London
The Benefits
- £42,000 – £48,000 salary, depending on experience
- Performance bonus linked to kitchen gross profit and hygiene audit results
- 42–45 hours per week over 5 days
- Straight shifts only – no split shifts
- Daytime-led operation with no late-night finishes
- 28 days’ paid holiday per year
- Brand-new, custom-built commercial kitchen with premium equipment
- Free staff meals and unlimited specialty coffee and matcha on shift
- Chef whites and full uniform provided
- Workplace pension
- Direct involvement with the founders in menu development and the evolution of the food concept
- Opportunity to build and lead a kitchen team from launch
About My Client
My client is launching an exciting new café and dining concept in Kidbrooke Village, South East London, directly next to Kidbrooke railway station. Designed around modern daytime dining, the venue will combine the energy of a premium all-day café with a creative, quality-led food offering. Think elevated brunch, beautifully presented lunch bowls, Japanese-inspired Shokupan sandwiches, fresh morning pastries, specialty coffee and functional shakes. The focus is on fresh, scratch-cooked food, quality ingredients, strong presentation and efficient service. The ambition is to create a destination that feels contemporary and distinctive while delivering the consistency and pace needed for a busy neighbourhood café.
The Role
This is an opportunity for an ambitious Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen operation from the very beginning. Working directly with the founders, you’ll help turn the food concept into a successful day-to-day operation. You’ll have a genuine voice in menu development, recipe testing, kitchen systems and the way the team works. Your role will combine hands-on cooking with leadership and operational responsibility. You’ll establish efficient preparation and service routines, build a strong kitchen team, manage ordering and food costs, and ensure every dish is delivered consistently during busy services. You’ll also help establish food safety procedures and hygiene standards from launch, creating a kitchen that is organised, commercially focused and ready to grow.
The Food Concept
The menu brings together several exciting elements of modern café dining:
- Elevated all-day brunch, including eggs and griddle-cooked dishes
- Japanese-inspired Shokupan sandwiches
- Nutrient-rich lunch trays and grain bowls
- Morning viennoiserie finished using combi-oven technology
- Specialty coffee, matcha and functional performance shakes
- Seasonal specials developed in collaboration with the founders
The culinary approach centres on scratch cooking, carefully sourced ingredients, attractive presentation and disciplined station assembly. The concept also has a seed-oil-free focus.
The Kitchen & Team
You’ll lead a newly fitted, purpose-built commercial kitchen equipped with modern cooking technology, including combi-ovens and high-speed ovens. The initial team will include:
- 1 Head Chef
- 1 Sous Chef / Junior Sous Chef
- 2 Line / Prep Cooks
- 1–2 Kitchen Porters
You’ll be responsible for building the foundations of the operation, from preparation lists and station workflows to recipe controls, ordering, stock management and staff training.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the kitchen team through pre-opening, launch and ongoing service
- Develop and test recipes, menus and seasonal specials
- Establish efficient preparation systems and station workflows
- Deliver consistent food quality, presentation and portion control
- Oversee ordering, stock rotation, waste management and kitchen gross profit
- Use modern kitchen equipment and digital recipe systems effectively
- Implement HACCP procedures and maintain excellent food hygiene standards
- Recruit, train and develop a reliable, high-performing kitchen team
- Work closely with the founders to evolve the menu and improve the business
About You
We’re looking for a chef who combines strong cooking ability with the organisation and commercial awareness needed to lead a modern, high-volume kitchen. You’ll ideally have:
- At least two years’ experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager
- Experience in a busy, quality-focused café, brunch, premium casual dining or fast-casual environment
- Excellent pan, griddle and egg-cookery skills under pressure
- A strong understanding of batch preparation, service flow and kitchen organisation
- Experience managing food costs, stock and waste
- High standards of food safety, hygiene and team training
- Confidence using modern kitchen equipment and digital recipe controls, or the ability to learn quickly
- The drive to build something new and take real ownership of the results
This is an opportunity to help shape a new food business from day one, lead your own kitchen team and combine creative freedom with commercial responsibility — all within a daytime-focused operation.
About Chefs for Chefs
Chefs for Chefs are committed to promoting equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability.
Head Chef – Kidbrooke in London employer: Chefs Ltd
Chefs Ltd offers a flexible working environment for culinary professionals, allowing them to work in various hospitality settings across the UK. With competitive pay and opportunities for skill development, it is an appealing choice for chefs looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef – Kidbrooke in London
✨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 Chefs Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chefs Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chefs Ltd 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 Head Chef – Kidbrooke in London
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 Chefs Ltd 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 Chefs Ltd
✨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!
