At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our vibrant kitchen team and create delicious dishes with fresh ingredients.
- Company: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Mayfair, part of MJMK Restaurants.
- Benefits: 50% staff discount, free meals, career development, and extra holiday days.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and well-being support.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary journey and learn from top chefs.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Commis Chef and a passion for food and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
A team player 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.
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 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 Commis Chef:
- 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
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 will 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 will be at the forefront of how we look after our team and guests, replicating Mexico's traditional family-run Fonda's.
Fonda's design is grounded in the warmth of rural Mexico and the vivid hues of its urban landscapes, conveying the colour, beauty, and evolution of the country's artistic heritage.
We'd love to hear from you if you're an experienced Commis Chef and you're up for a new challenge and the opportunity to work alongside Santiago Lastra.
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.
Commis Chef - London employer: Fonda
Fonda, located in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, is an exceptional employer for Commis Chefs, offering a dynamic work environment that champions creativity and teamwork. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 50% staff discounts, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for career development within our award-winning restaurant group. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values integrity, excellence, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, all while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef - 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 Fonda. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fonda
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fonda 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 Commis Chef - 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 Fonda 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 Fonda
✨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!
