At a Glance
- Tasks: Co-create a vibrant evening menu and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Company: A beloved café expanding into exciting late-night service.
- Benefits: Equity partnership, creative freedom, and support for growth.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and build something special together.
- Why this job: Shape a unique community venue and leave your culinary mark.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a flair for innovative dishes.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 37440 £ per year.
We’re a much-loved daytime café in Caterham-on-the-Hill preparing for a full refurbishment and an exciting expansion into late-night service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. With a bar licence already in place, we’re ready to evolve — and now we’re looking for an ambitious Chef Partner to help shape our next chapter. This isn’t a traditional job. It’s a chance to become a genuine equity partner and co-create a small, characterful, community-focused evening venue.
Who we’re looking for:
- Real skill and passion for flavour — whether your thing is modern bistro, small plates, creative comfort food, or something fresh and unique.
- Experience running a kitchen, costing dishes, and leading service with confidence.
- An entrepreneurial streak — someone who wants ownership, input, and long-term involvement.
- A collaborative, down-to‑earth attitude (no egos; just good food and good energy).
What we’re offering:
- Equity partnership in a growing independent business.
- Creative freedom to design and develop the evening menu.
- A freshly refurbished space ready for a bold, welcoming night‑time identity.
- Support with operations, marketing, and building the brand.
- An established daytime customer base — and room to grow something exciting after dark.
If you’re itching to step into something of your own — to build a menu people remember, to put your name on a project, and to be part of a friendly, ambitious local venue — we’d love to talk. Bring your ideas. Bring your passion. Let’s build something special together. Get in touch to start the conversation.
Job Details:
- Experience: Required
- Languages: English – Advanced
- Employment: Full-time
- Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday
- Salary: £15 – £16 hourly
- Benefits: Equity
Chef Partner employer: Coffee & Creams
Contact Detail:
Coffee & Creams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café's vibe! Before you apply, pop in for a coffee and chat with the staff. This will give you a feel for the place and help you tailor your ideas when you reach out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet the team, bring along some menu ideas or even a sample dish. This will demonstrate your passion and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with local foodies and industry folks on social media. You never know who might have a connection to the café or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to dive into this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey, what inspires you, and how you plan to bring that passion to our evening menu. We want to see your personality and creativity!
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your experience running a kitchen and leading service. We’re looking for someone who’s confident in costing dishes and managing a team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements!
Emphasise Collaboration: Since we’re all about good vibes and teamwork, mention any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with others. We want to know how you can contribute to our friendly atmosphere and help shape our community-focused venue.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to get your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to become a Chef Partner with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coffee & Creams
✨Show Your Passion for Flavour
Make sure to express your love for food and flavour during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or enjoyed, and how you can bring that passion to the evening menu. This role is all about creativity, so let your enthusiasm shine!
✨Demonstrate Your Kitchen Leadership
Be prepared to discuss your experience running a kitchen. Talk about how you've managed teams, handled service under pressure, and ensured quality in every dish. Highlight any successful projects where you took ownership and led with confidence.
✨Bring Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This isn't just a job; it's a partnership! Show that you have an entrepreneurial mindset by sharing your ideas for the café's evening service. Discuss how you envision building the brand and attracting new customers, and be ready to brainstorm innovative concepts.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Community Focus
Since this role requires a down-to-earth attitude, be sure to highlight your collaborative nature. Talk about how you've worked with others in the past to create a positive environment and how you plan to engage with the local community to make the café a beloved evening spot.