At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create stunning Italian dishes in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Opera House's Cicoria restaurant, partnered with renowned chef Angela Hartnett.
- Benefits: Earn £50-£55k, enjoy quality meals, and receive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic kitchen culture focused on support, creativity, and pride in food.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique venue and make memorable dining experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with a passion for Italian cuisine.
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 Offer- A 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 London employer: Company of Cooks
Cicoria, located within the iconic Royal Opera House, offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals passionate about Italian cuisine. As a Senior Sous Chef, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic kitchen culture that prioritises quality, creativity, and teamwork, while enjoying competitive earnings and opportunities for career development within a prestigious hospitality group. Join us to be part of a unique venue where your culinary skills can shine and contribute to memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, industry contacts, or even friends who might know someone at the Royal Opera House. A personal connection can make all the difference in landing that Senior Sous Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share with the team during an informal meet-up. It’s a great way to showcase your Italian cooking flair and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of Italian cuisine and be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards under pressure. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Cicoria team at the Royal Opera House.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House in London
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 inspire you, and show us how you can bring that passion to Cicoria.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in training and developing others. We want to see how you've supported your kitchen team in the past!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about specific achievements and challenges you've faced in high-pressure environments. This will help us understand how you handle busy services and maintain quality.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity at the Royal Opera House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨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
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and support a team. Prepare examples of how you've trained or mentored kitchen staff in the past, and be ready to discuss how you handle pressure during busy services.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food costs, GP, and kitchen organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you manage stock and minimise wastage. This will show that you understand the commercial aspects of running a successful kitchen.
✨Bring Your Personality
Cicoria values warmth and personality, so let yours shine through during the interview. Share your ideas for seasonal specials or events, and express your enthusiasm for creating a positive kitchen culture. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well with their team.
