At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exquisite menus and deliver exceptional dining experiences for discerning clients.
- Company: Join a leading fine wine group in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, healthcare, and opportunities for wine education.
- Other info: Build your career in a supportive culture with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the culinary leader in an exclusive private event space and shape memorable experiences.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high-end culinary roles with strong wine pairing knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Coterie group consists of leading wine merchants, distributors, storage providers, and platforms that elevate how wine is bought, enjoyed, moved, stored, and owned. Each is defined by its own expertise and reputation, developed over time through long-standing relationships and a deep understanding of the market. Together, they are strengthened through shared capability, greater visibility, and a more connected way of operating.
We have an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, market-leading fine wine group, as the Private Chef in our new Coterie office and private event space ’26’, based in Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London. We're passionate about delivering best-in-class service through our expert team, streamlined processes, and innovative technology. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a significant impact.
Our new office is planned to open in September 2026, and along with being the home for our Coterie Team, it will be home to an exclusive private event space, consisting of two private dining rooms, a fine wine tasting room, and relaxed lounge space, where we will entertain wine producers, private clients, hospitality customers, and invited guests.
Role Summary
We are looking for a Private Chef for “26” who will be a culinary leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of 26’s culinary operations. Our chef will serve a highly discerning client base that expects both high-end refinement and consistent, personalised service. This is a high-visibility, hands-on role requiring an exceptional chef who can effortlessly balance culinary creativity with operational discipline. The ideal candidate will cultivate a culture of excellence in the kitchen, deliver seasonal and bespoke menus, champion exceptional wine-and-food pairings supported by our in-house wine team, and engage warmly with clients & guests to build lasting relationships.
Primary Responsibilities
- Menu Development: Work in conjunction with our Culinary & Hospitality Consultant to design, execute, and evolve innovative menus across multiple dining opportunities (fine dining lunches & dinners, drinks receptions, bespoke client events, wine producer events).
- Customisation: Accommodate highly specific dietary requirements, allergies, and custom off-menu requests from clients.
- Wine Synergy: Collaborate closely with the wine team to design sophisticated, seasonal tasting menus and curate exceptional wine-pairing experiences for exclusive events and private dinners.
- Sourcing & Quality: Establish strict food purchase specifications, sourcing the highest quality seasonal, local, and sustainable ingredients.
- Quality Control: Maintain an active presence peak services to inspect, expedite, and guarantee that every plate leaving the kitchen meets the highest aesthetic and culinary standards.
- Floor Presence: Be the face of the kitchen, frequently visiting the dining rooms to build rapport with clients and elevate the member experience.
- Bespoke Events: Collaborate with the Events team to plan and execute custom events for clients.
- Mentorship & Culture: Recruit, train, mentor, and schedule a highly motivated kitchen team. Foster a professional, respectful, and positive workplace culture that encourages retention and development.
- Operational Standards: Standardise recipes, prep sheets, and plating guides to ensure absolute consistency across all culinary outlets and events.
- Sanitation & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all local health department regulations, food safety policies, and HACCP guidelines. Maintain immaculate cleanliness across all kitchen, storage, and refrigeration areas.
- Facilities Management: Monitor and coordinate with the building manager the regular maintenance and repair of all kitchen equipment to ensure a safe, efficient working environment.
Required Skills and Experience
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience (such as Head Chef, or Executive Sous Chef) in a high-end private club, luxury hotel, Michelin-starred, or premium fine-dining establishment.
- Culinary Artistry: Masterful understanding of both classic and contemporary culinary techniques, with a proven track record of designing acclaimed menus.
- Wine & Beverage Knowledge: Strong proficiency in wine pairing, flavour profiles, and working alongside sommeliers or wine merchants to elevate the overall dining experience.
- Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and emotional intelligence; comfortable interacting with high-net-worth individuals, and leading diverse teams.
- Technical Skills: Proficient with kitchen management software, POS systems, inventory tracking tools.
- Education, Certifications and References: Hold city and guilds 706/1 and 2 or NVQ equivalent.
To perform the role to a high level, you’ll be able to demonstrate the following skills and behaviours:
- Excellent communication skills to relate to guests and your team.
- Deliver excellence under pressure.
- Excellent inter-personal skills.
What We Offer
- Salary: dependent upon experience
- Bonus: an annual bonus scheme, based on company and individual performance
- Pension: employee-employer matched pension contributions of 5% each
- Healthcare: Bupa Private Healthcare
- Events: company-sponsored social events
- Education: Opportunity for wine education sponsorship
- Additional Benefits: Team member discount on wine
- An opportunity to build your career, not just take a job.
To Apply
If you’d like to apply, please send a cover letter explaining what you can bring to the role, along with your CV to the People team. Closing date for applications is Friday 31st July 2026.
Private Chef in London employer: Coterie Holdings UK Limited
Coterie is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a Private Chef in the heart of Mayfair, London. With a commitment to excellence and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to thrive and grow within a dynamic environment that values creativity and innovation. The role not only provides competitive benefits, including a bonus scheme and healthcare, but also the chance to engage with a discerning clientele and elevate the fine dining experience through bespoke culinary creations.
Contact Details:
Coterie Holdings UK Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Chef 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 Coterie Holdings UK Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Coterie Holdings UK Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Coterie Holdings UK Limited 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 Private Chef 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 Coterie Holdings UK Limited 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 Coterie Holdings UK Limited
✨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!