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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create delicious Italian dishes, and manage daily operations.
- Company: Darling's, a vibrant female-owned pasta eatery in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, creative freedom, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a small kitchen and showcase your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or similar role in an Italian restaurant.
- Other info: Flexible start date and manageable service size for a balanced work-life.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 41600 £ per year.
Darling’s is looking for an experienced Italian Head Chef / Lead Chef to take full ownership of our kitchen operations. This role is ideal for a confident, organised chef who enjoys working independently and delivering consistently high-quality food in a small, well-run kitchen.
The Role
- Run the kitchen day-to-day with full responsibility.
- Prepare and deliver service for up to 50 covers.
- Menu execution and contribution to menu development.
- Manage stock, ordering, and food cost control.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety.
- Work independently and efficiently during service.
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience as a strong Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie with Italian restaurant experience.
- Comfortable working solo in the kitchen.
- Calm, reliable, and well-organised under service pressure.
- Passionate about quality ingredients and consistent execution.
- Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen management.
What We Offer
- A manageable service size (up to 50 covers).
- Creative input and autonomy in the kitchen.
- Supportive working environment.
- Competitive pay (based on experience).
- Opportunity to truly make the kitchen your own.
Location: Darling’s. Start: Flexible / ASAP. To apply, please send your CV and a brief introduction. Experience: Required. Languages: English – Advanced. Employment: Full-time. Schedule: Wednesday (10-10), Thursday (5-10), Friday (5-10), Saturday (10-10). Salary: £15 – £20 hourly. Benefits: Inclusive of service charge. Starting time: Immediate start!
About Darling's Eatery and Studio: Darling's is a female owned and self-funded pasta eatery in East London that serves lunches, dinner and wine from independent wine-makers from Italy. As we value great produce and service, our standards are set high.
Head Chef employer: Darling's Eatery and Studio
Contact Detail:
Darling's Eatery and Studio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, pop by Darling’s and soak up the vibe. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the place and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your Italian cooking prowess. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity right off the bat.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your experience! Prepare some solid examples of how you’ve managed a kitchen before, especially under pressure. We want to hear how you keep things running smoothly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your CV, make sure to highlight your experience in Italian kitchens. We want to see what you've done and how you can bring that expertise to our team at Darling's.
Craft a Personal Introduction: Your brief introduction is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about cooking and what excites you about the Head Chef role. We love hearing your story and what makes you tick.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for running our kitchen operations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darling's Eatery and Studio
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Italian cuisine and the specific dishes that Darling’s offers. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to menu development and execution, showcasing your creativity and passion for quality ingredients.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations in the past. Talk about your experience with stock management, ordering, and food cost control. This will demonstrate your ability to run the kitchen efficiently and maintain high standards.
✨Demonstrate Calm Under Pressure
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you handle busy service times. Share specific instances where you’ve remained calm and organised under pressure, as this is crucial for the role at Darling’s.
✨Highlight Your Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on food safety regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen, as well as how you maintain food safety standards during service.
