At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes from scratch and manage your own kitchen section.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Lasdun Restaurant in the National Theatre.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, healthcare, meals on duty, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Closed Sundays with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values craft and creativity in cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in scratch cooking and a love for quality ingredients.
The predicted salary is between 36724 - 36724 £ per year.
London, 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
- 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
- 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 bonus!
- 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 a proud equal‑opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us.
Chef De Partie - Lasdun | National Theatre in London employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
The National Theatre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration within its culinary team. As a Chef de Partie at the Lasdun Restaurant, you will enjoy excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development, all while working in the inspiring environment of one of London's most iconic venues.
Contact Details:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie - Lasdun | National Theatre in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff on social media or through networking events. This gives you insider info about the kitchen culture and shows your genuine interest in joining the Lasdun team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two that highlights your scratch cooking abilities. This not only demonstrates your passion but also gives the Head Chef a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about ingredients! Brush up on seasonal produce and local suppliers. Being able to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you use them will impress the team and show you're all about that field-to-fork philosophy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the National Theatre family.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie - Lasdun | National Theatre in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Talk about your experiences with scratch cooking and how you enjoy working with fresh ingredients. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the culinary craft.
Highlight Your Skills:Make sure to mention your strong foundation in classic cooking techniques. Whether it’s stocks, sauces, or prep methods, we want to know what you bring to the table. Be specific about your skills and how they relate to the role of Chef de Partie.
Be Detail-Oriented:We appreciate a detail-driven approach, so don’t shy away from showcasing your attention to detail in your application. Talk about how you maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, as well as your commitment to food safety.
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 any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at the National Theatre!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you’re well-versed in the ingredients you’ll be working with. Research seasonal produce and be ready to discuss your favourite cooking techniques. This shows your passion for scratch cooking and your commitment to quality.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with classic cooking techniques, like making mother sauces or curing meats. Bring examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaboration with both the kitchen and front-of-house staff, highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you’ve worked with others to create a seamless dining experience, showing that you value communication and cooperation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the restaurant’s approach to seasonal menus or their sourcing practices. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your eagerness to contribute to their culinary philosophy.
