Restaurant General Manager in London

Restaurant General Manager in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 52000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant restaurant, inspire a young team, and create unforgettable guest experiences.
  • Company: Freak Scene, a punk-spirited Japanese & Pan-Asian restaurant in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Why this job: Join a creative team and influence the culture of a growing restaurant group.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a General Manager or strong Deputy GM in quality restaurants.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on food, vibe, and natural hospitality.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.

Freak Scene is a chef-led, punk-spirited, Japanese & Pan-Asian restaurant in London. We are looking for a dynamic, people-first General Manager to lead Freak Scene, a bold, food-driven restaurant founded by Scott Hallsworth (ex-Nobu Head Chef, founder of Kurobuta Restaurants).

This role is critical to our next phase of growth and has clear progression into a senior leadership position as the group expands.

The Role
  • Lead the restaurant day-to-day with energy, warmth, and authority.
  • Build, train, and inspire a young, hungry, service-driven team.
  • Champion a food-led, chef-driven culture — quality always comes first.
  • Deliver consistently brilliant guest experiences without corporate stiffness.
  • Work closely with the Founder and kitchen leadership to evolve the offer.
  • Own service standards, rota planning, payroll, stock control, and margins.
  • Drive sales through vibe, hospitality, upselling, and smart service.
  • Be hands-on during service — present, visible, and engaged.
  • Create a positive, inclusive, high-performance culture.
What We’re Looking For
  • Proven experience as a General Manager or strong Deputy GM in a quality restaurant.
  • A genuine love of hospitality, food, and people.
  • Strong understanding of Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine.
  • Solid knowledge of sake, wine, cocktails, and bar operations.
  • Commercially switched-on without being corporate.
  • Calm under pressure, positive by nature, and solution-focused.
  • Confident leading teams, setting standards, and holding people accountable.
  • Someone who brings personality, warmth, and edge — not scripts and buzzwords.
What This Is (and Isn’t)

This is:

  • Punk-rock attitude with serious food.
  • Chef-led thinking.
  • Natural hospitality.
  • A chance to grow with the brand.

This isn’t:

  • Corporate hotel hospitality.
  • Clipboard management.
  • Ego-driven leadership.
  • A "sit in the office" GM role.
Why Join Freak Scene
  • Work directly with a highly respected chef-founder.
  • Be part of a growing, creative restaurant group.
  • Real influence over culture, standards, and direction.
  • Genuine progression into senior leadership as the business scales.
  • A restaurant that values vibe, flavour, and warm hospitality.

Experience: Required

Languages: English – Advanced

Employment: Full-time

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday

Salary: £48,000 – £52,000 yearly

Benefits: Quarterly bonus for hitting key KPI's

Starting time: Immediate start!

Restaurant General Manager in London employer: Freak Scene Balham

Freak Scene is an exceptional employer that thrives on a vibrant, punk-spirited culture where creativity and passion for food take centre stage. As a Restaurant General Manager, you will lead a dynamic team in a chef-led environment, with ample opportunities for personal growth and progression into senior leadership roles as the restaurant group expands. Enjoy a hands-on role that values genuine hospitality and offers a competitive salary along with quarterly bonuses, all while being part of a unique dining experience in the heart of London.
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Contact Detail:

Freak Scene Balham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Restaurant General Manager in London

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the vibe of Freak Scene before you apply. Visit the restaurant, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will not only give you insights into their culture but also help you tailor your approach when you meet them.

✨Tip Number 2

When you land that interview, be yourself! Show off your personality and passion for food and hospitality. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can inspire a young team, so let your energy shine through.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Share specific examples where you’ve created a positive culture or driven sales through your unique approach to service.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you note expressing your excitement about the role can go a long way. And remember, applying through our website gives you a better chance to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant General Manager in London

Leadership
Team Building
Hospitality
Food Knowledge
Japanese Cuisine
Pan-Asian Cuisine
Bar Operations
Sales Driving
Service Standards Management
Rota Planning
Payroll Management
Stock Control
Problem-Solving
Calm Under Pressure
Positive Attitude

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to inject some energy and warmth into your words. Remember, this is a people-first role, and we’re looking for someone who can inspire a team.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in hospitality, especially if you've worked in dynamic environments before. We love candidates who have a genuine passion for food and service, so share any relevant stories that demonstrate your love for the industry!

Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; explain how they relate to the role. If you’ve got a strong understanding of Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine or experience with stock control and payroll, make it clear! We want to know how you can contribute to our vibrant restaurant culture.

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 you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Freak Scene. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Freak Scene Balham

✨Know Your Vibe

Before the interview, immerse yourself in the restaurant's atmosphere. Freak Scene is all about energy and personality, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to that vibe. Think about your own experiences in hospitality and how they align with the punk-spirited, chef-led culture.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a General Manager, you'll need to inspire a young team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built and trained teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you lead from the front, ensuring that your passion for food and service shines through.

✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Knowledge

Freak Scene values a strong understanding of Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine. Brush up on your knowledge of these cuisines, including key dishes and ingredients. Be prepared to discuss how you can champion a food-led culture and collaborate with the kitchen leadership to evolve the menu.

✨Be Yourself

This role is all about personality and warmth, so don’t be afraid to let your true self shine during the interview. Avoid corporate jargon and instead focus on sharing your genuine love for hospitality and how you connect with guests and your team. Authenticity will resonate well with the interviewers.

Restaurant General Manager in London
Freak Scene Balham
Location: London
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