At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create exceptional modern British cuisine.
- Company: Aviary, a premium rooftop restaurant in London with stunning skyline views.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 50% discount for friends, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Join a leading hospitality group committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a vibrant culinary environment with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in premium dining.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Aviary is a destination rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of the City of London, offering a refined dining experience, vibrant atmosphere, and a strong focus on exceptional service. Known for its panoramic skyline views and premium positioning, Aviary delivers elevated modern British cuisine alongside expertly crafted cocktails, creating a memorable and sophisticated guest experience.
As part of ETM Collection within ETM Group, Aviary sits within a portfolio recognised for operational excellence, people development, and some of London’s most distinctive hospitality venues.
Role Overview:
At ETM Group, being a Head Chef is both a creative leadership role and a commercial responsibility. You’re not just leading a kitchen — you’re shaping the culinary identity of your venue, driving standards, and delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect our premium positioning and EPIC values. Across our ETM Collection venues — from rooftop restaurants to refined dining spaces — our Head Chefs lead high-performing kitchen teams to deliver seasonal, modern menus with consistency, creativity, and precision. You are responsible for setting the tone in your kitchen, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring every dish reflects the quality and attention to detail our guests expect.
We place our kitchens in the hands of passionate and inspiring chefs. As Head Chef, you’ll operate with a high level of ownership and autonomy, supported by a group known for delivering premium hospitality at scale. From menu development and supplier relationships to team development and cost control, you will balance creativity with strong commercial acumen to drive performance. If you are passionate about food, leadership, and delivering exceptional dining experiences, this is an opportunity to make your mark within one of London’s leading hospitality groups.
Company Benefits:
- Competitive industry pay (based on salary & Tronc)
- Guaranteed 48 hours per week contract
- 50% discount for you and up to 5 friends at any of our venues
- 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
- Pension
- Healthcare Plan
- Quarterly Incentive Scheme
- Generous employee referral scheme
- Discounted shopping at many high street stores
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to Stream for better money management
- Access to the award winning Hospitality Action Charity, offering an Employee Assistance Program
- Group wide Learning and Development opportunities
- Complementary hot drinks in your venue
- Complementary meal on shift
- Your birthday lunch is on us
The ideal candidate will present:
- Proven Experience: You have significant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality or premium dining environment, ideally with experience within fast paced kitchens.
- Leadership Skills: You are a strong and inspiring kitchen leader, with a passion for developing and mentoring your team.
- Financial Acumen: You have a solid understanding of kitchen financials, including GP management, cost control, and labour optimisation.
- Quality & Consistency: You are committed to delivering exceptional food standards with a strong attention to detail.
- Commercial Awareness: You understand how to balance creativity with profitability, driving menu performance and operational efficiency.
- Problem-Solving Ability: You thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment and can adapt quickly to challenges.
- Passion for Food: You have a deep appreciation for modern cuisine, seasonality, and evolving food trends.
- A Hands-On Approach: You lead from the front, maintaining a strong presence in the kitchen and setting the standard for your team.
About Us:
ETM Group is a leading London hospitality business, home to a collection of premium restaurants, bars, and iconic sports venues. Through our portfolio of standout London venues across ETM Collection and ETM Sport London, we deliver exceptional food, drink, entertainment, and guest experiences across the capital. From elevated rooftop dining to high-energy match-day occasions, our venues are united by a commitment to quality, innovation, and memorable hospitality. At the heart of our success are our people, guided by our EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Challenge. ETM Group are proud to be an equal opportunity employer who seek to recruit and retain the most talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.
Head Chef - Aviary in London employer: ETM Group London
Aviary, as part of the esteemed ETM Group, offers an exceptional work environment for culinary professionals, combining a vibrant atmosphere with a commitment to operational excellence and employee development. As a Head Chef, you will enjoy competitive pay, a guaranteed 48-hour contract, and numerous benefits including generous discounts, healthcare plans, and opportunities for personal growth within one of London's premier hospitality collections. Join us in shaping memorable dining experiences while being supported by a passionate team that values creativity and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Aviary 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 ETM Group London. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ETM Group London
Don't be shy about reaching out to ETM Group London 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 Head Chef - Aviary 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 ETM Group London 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 ETM Group London
✨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!
