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- Tasks: Lead kitchen teams and create exceptional food experiences in a fun, game-filled environment.
- Company: Draughts, a pioneer in experiential hospitality focused on food, drink, and play.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company pension, employee discounts, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the culinary experience and make a real impact in a creative, supportive team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in kitchens, strong focus on food safety, and team development skills.
- Other info: Join a growing business where your ideas are valued and games are always part of the fun.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Draughts is a trailblazer in experiential hospitality, redefining board games for a modern audience. Our mission is to bring people together over great food, drink, and play, creating welcoming spaces where guests can disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other. Our venues are designed to offer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where food, service, and games work together to create a memorable experience.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and confident Executive Chef to lead the food offer across our venues. This role is about setting clear standards, building strong kitchen teams, and delivering food that is consistent, well executed, and commercially sound. You will provide culinary leadership across sites, owning menu development, margins, food quality, compliance, and safety. Kitchen Managers will run day to day service, while you focus on structure, standards, and continuous improvement.
A key part of the role is ensuring kitchens operate safely and are always audit ready. You will set and uphold food safety, allergen management, and Health and Safety standards, supporting teams to follow them consistently. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in doing the basics exceptionally well and creating kitchens that teams enjoy working in. You will work closely with the senior leadership team, who will support you in the role and give you the space to focus on food, people, and long term improvement.
What We Are Looking For
You are an experienced leader with a strong track record in running kitchens and developing teams. You are calm under pressure, clear in your expectations, and steady during service. You care deeply about food safety, cleanliness, and compliance, and understand that strong standards protect both the team and the business. You are commercially aware, pay attention to margins and waste, and make decisions that balance creativity with consistency and simplicity. You lead with care rather than ego, enjoy coaching others, and believe that great food starts with good systems and well supported people. You are organised, proactive, and always looking for better ways to operate.
What You Get
At Draughts, you will be part of a growing business that values creativity, curiosity, and connection. There is real opportunity to shape the food offer and have a genuine impact on how the kitchens evolve. You will work alongside passionate people who care about quality and standards. Ideas are welcomed, and the team works hard while enjoying what they do. And yes, there are always games. Lots of games.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Benefits
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Store discount
Pay: £60,000 OTE
Executive Chef in London employer: Draughts
Contact Detail:
Draughts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who know Draughts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! If you get the chance, bring a sample of your signature dish to the interview. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your skills and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style. Be ready to share examples of how you've built strong kitchen teams and maintained high standards. We want to see that you lead with care and creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Draughts family.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create memorable dining experiences. We want to see that you’re not just about the basics but also about bringing creativity to the table!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As an Executive Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've built strong kitchen teams in the past and how you maintain high standards. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support others!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our kitchens.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Draughts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draughts
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Draughts' mission. Be ready to discuss your approach to menu development and how you can create memorable dining experiences that complement their unique atmosphere.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships, coach team members, and maintain high standards under pressure. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a chef, but a leader who cares about the people you work with.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Compliance
Draughts places a strong emphasis on food safety and cleanliness. Be prepared to discuss your experience with food safety standards, allergen management, and how you ensure kitchens are audit-ready. This shows that you take these responsibilities seriously and understand their importance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cost Management
As an Executive Chef, you'll need to balance creativity with commercial awareness. Come prepared with examples of how you've managed food costs, reduced waste, and improved margins in previous roles. This will show that you can deliver great food while keeping an eye on the bottom line.
