At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes and maintain high standards in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Exciting contemporary Mexican restaurant with a focus on family-style hospitality.
- Benefits: 50% staff discount, free meals, career development, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your career with a supportive and dynamic team.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and work with top-quality ingredients to impress guests.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef de Partie and a love for food and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Fonda Chef de Partie Requirements
- A confident and talented chef who can support the services and sections to maintain a premium guest experience, whilst working in a large team environment.
- Experienced in working with fresh, top-quality ingredients and building relationships with our world leading supply partners.
- Maintain quality and quantity controls across your sections, supporting the senior team with quality, food safety and stock management processes.
- An enthusiastic and proactive individual, who whilst supporting the senior team can take ownership of their section and departments of the Fonda Kitchen.
- Able to work with integrity, generosity, and excellent attention to detail for people & product.
- Passionate and knowledgeable about food, wine, and hospitality and able to exceed guests’ expectations.
- A champion of our values and ethos, be always working to a ‘Best in Class’ level.
What we offer our Chef de Parties
- 50% staff discount across all MJMK restaurants
- Free staff meals while on shift
- Up to £500 team referral bonus
- Opportunity to develop your career with MJMK Restaurants
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after your first year with us
- Extra day’s holiday every year you’re with us, up to 5 extra days
- Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action - Including: mental health & well-being support, Benefits Hub with retail discounts, wellness podcast, nutrition-focused recipes, digital gym, mindfulness meditation, as well as Employee Assistance Program
About Fonda
Fonda is an exciting, contemporary Mexican restaurant, years in the making from chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants. Opened in 2024 in Mayfair’s Heddon Street, Fonda has showcased regional Mexican cooking through Santiago’s unique lens, presented in an elegant, vibrant style, complemented by contemporary design.
In Mexico, a Fonda is a family-owned eatery, serving traditional dishes in an informal setting, each inspired by personal recipes from the generations that came before. Santiago Lastra’s Fonda builds on this concept to showcase recipes from across the country. Though seemingly simple, Fonda’s dishes draw on the quality and provenance of ingredients, combined with innovative techniques to elicit the flavours of Mexico in a modern way. The warmth and genuine hospitality is at the forefront of how we look after our team and guests, replicating Mexico’s traditional family-run Fonda’s.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re an experienced Chef de Partie and you’re up for a new challenge and the opportunity to work alongside Santiago Lastra.
About MJMK Restaurants
MJMK Restaurants own and operate a collection of award-winning restaurants. Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango. In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients. KOL has since earned a Michelin Star and been named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
In 2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair - our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra - and AngloThai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients. Within three months of opening, AngloThai earned a Michelin star.
In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, AngloThai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7th in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50. Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.
Chef de Partie in City of Westminster employer: Fonda
Fonda is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and happiness of its team, offering a vibrant work culture that reflects the warmth of traditional Mexican hospitality. With benefits such as a generous staff discount, free meals, and opportunities for career development within MJMK Restaurants, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while honing their culinary skills alongside renowned chef Santiago Lastra. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Fonda not only provides a unique dining experience but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, check out Fonda's menu and vibe. Familiarising yourself with their dishes and ethos will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what it’s really like to work at Fonda.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish that represents your culinary style to the interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Partie in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through. Share your experiences with fresh ingredients and any unique dishes you've created. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the culinary experience.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chef de Partie role at Fonda. Highlight relevant experience, especially in high-pressure environments or with Mexican cuisine. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure your CV is well-organised and free of errors.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Fonda. Be personal and genuine—share your journey in the culinary world and what excites you about working with us. We love hearing your story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Fonda!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fonda
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh, top-quality ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you source them and why they matter in creating exceptional dishes. This will show your passion for food and your commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Fonda values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to support senior chefs and maintain a positive atmosphere while taking ownership of your section.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in a busy kitchen. Be ready to talk about how you ensure quality and safety in your cooking processes. Share specific instances where your meticulousness has led to improved outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Express Your Passion for Hospitality
Fonda is all about genuine hospitality, so convey your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences. Discuss your knowledge of food and wine, and how you go above and beyond to exceed guests' expectations. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
