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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious, fresh dishes.
- Company: Join a well-established neighbourhood restaurant voted one of Time Out’s Best Places to Work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £50,000 plus tronc, with long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Own the kitchen in a supportive environment while crafting seasonal menus.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh food and managing a small team in a neighbourhood setting.
- Other info: Immediate start available with a focus on a positive kitchen culture.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Head Chef for a well-established neighbourhood restaurant and bar in the heart of Maida Vale. The business sits within a growing group of around nine sites and was voted one of Time Out’s Best Places to Work in 2025. The group has a strong people-first culture and continues to expand. The site is known locally for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and fresh, seasonal food served across brunch, lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts. The menu focuses on quality ingredients, cooked simply and well, in a small and intimate kitchen. Alongside regular service, the venue also hosts private events and occasional weddings, adding variety to the role without losing its neighbourhood feel.
The role
- You will take responsibility of the kitchen and lead a small, close-knit team.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering consistent, fresh food across all services
- Managing GP, food stock, ordering and wastage
- Running a profitable, well-organised kitchen
- Supporting events and private hires when required
- Working closely with the General Manager
- Creating a positive and stable kitchen culture
- Input into menus with the group executive chef
About you
This role suits someone who enjoys ownership and accountability. You will bring:
- A strong fresh food background
- Experience in a neighbourhood restaurant or gastro pub
- Confidence running a profitable kitchen
- Comfort working with a small, intimate team
- A calm, organised approach to service
- Pride in standards and structure
Package
- Salary up to £50,000
- Tronc of approximately £6,000 to £8,000
- Immediate start available
- Long-term opportunity within a growing group
If you are looking for a Head Chef role where you can truly own the kitchen while being part of a respected and supportive group, this is worth a conversation.
Head Chef in London employer: COREcruitment
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or even food bloggers in your area. 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! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting session to showcase your culinary talents. This not only gets your name out there but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people in our growing group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Food: When writing your application, let us know why you love working with fresh ingredients. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to quality and how you’ve used seasonal produce in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a small team. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored staff. We want to see how you create a positive kitchen culture!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: In your application, emphasise your ability to manage stock, ordering, and wastage effectively. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their organisational skills and how they contribute to running a profitable kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 in our growing group!
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the restaurant's menu and its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance or innovate the current offerings while maintaining the quality and simplicity that the venue is known for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a small team. Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, especially in a neighbourhood restaurant setting.
✨Discuss Profitability and Efficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing GP, food stock, and wastage. Highlight any strategies you've implemented in previous roles that have led to a more profitable and well-organised kitchen. This will show that you understand the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Emphasise Your Calm Under Pressure
Working in a busy kitchen can be stressful, so it’s important to convey your ability to stay calm and organised during service. Share anecdotes that demonstrate how you handle high-pressure situations, especially during peak times or events.
