At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating exceptional Spanish dishes and guiding a talented team.
- Company: Join Harts Group, a community of award-winning restaurants in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% off food, company trips, and increasing holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a creative environment while showcasing your passion for Spanish cuisine.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Head Chef in a fast-paced, high-quality restaurant.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Head Chef role at Harts Group. Head Chef Cover 3‑6 months | Barrafina Restaurant | London. As one of our brilliant Head Chefs prepares to head to Dubai to open our newest Barrafina in the UAE, we’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to join us in Central London on a 3–6 month fixed‑term contract to lead one of our kitchens and keep the standards, energy and creativity flowing.
Barrafina is a highly awarded modern Spanish bar restaurant in London, serving the highest quality seasonal ingredients. Guests eat and drink on a beautiful marble‑topped bar while watching the chefs at work. The front‑of‑house teams work around the bar, creating an energetic and uniquely enjoyable service. The cuisine is authentic and exceptional, our chefs create a new menu daily based on the freshest produce that comes through the door. Barrafina also hosts a quarterly event, Barrafina Invita, showcasing exceptional culinary talent from all over Spain and the rest of the world.
Compensation & Benefits
- Head Chef Salary of up to ÂŁ58,391 per annum based on 48 hrs per week, plus potential bonuses
- 50% Off all Food & Drink across all Harts Group
- Sit‑down meals with you and your team
- Company trips to meet our top suppliers in Mexico, Spain and across the UK
- Increasing holiday allowance on top of your 28 days paid holidays
- Monthly food & drink tastings
- Access to Wagestream Platform where you can access your wages early and manage your money
- A paid volunteering day to support our communities and causes that matter to you
- Access to Hospitality Action to support your wellbeing in and out of work
- CODE membership with amazing discounts in the hospitality industry
- Working with a great group of individuals where you can be yourself and enjoy your career
About the Employer
Harts Group is a community of talented individuals, creating award‑winning food, drink and offering industry‑leading service. The portfolio includes Barrafina, Parrillan, Quo Vadis, El Pastor Restaurants, The Drop, Two Drops and Bar Daskal in London.
The Head Chef Role
- At least 2 years experience working as a Head Chef at a fast‑paced, creative and high‑quality restaurant.
- Interest and love for Spanish food and culture.
- Provide supportive guidance and training to all chefs and kitchen teams.
- Coordinate and unify production, line cooking, food preparation and plating.
- Ensure communication between BOH and FOH (specials, briefing, tastings).
- Maintain operation and health‑and‑safety and hygiene standards.
- Collaborate with Group Executive Chef on specials on a weekly basis.
- Monitor food stocks and optimise orders for both restaurants.
- At times the role will require stepping in and covering any junior position in the kitchen.
- Provide level‑headed and creative approach to people management.
- Assist recruitment needs, interviews, onboarding and drive staff retention.
- Consistently maintain the highest standards and deliver exceptional guest service.
- Communicate effectively and clearly all the time.
- Be the face of a group known for its warm welcome and guest care.
- Managing and exceeding guest expectations.
- Strong command of English language.
- Good knowledge of our menus, ingredients and allergens.
- Strong team ethic showing respect for colleagues.
- Ensure exceptional quality food and drink is consistently delivered.
- Passion for the hospitality industry and your own development is a must.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re excited to hear from candidates who bring curiosity, commitment, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in creating an inclusive, diverse, and equal workplace where everyone is valued. Apply for the Head Chef Cover role today and a dedicated member of our talent team will be in touch.
Head Chef in City of London employer: Harts Group
Contact Detail:
Harts Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, check out Barrafina's vibe and menu. This way, you can chat about your favourite dishes and show off your passion for Spanish cuisine. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn or social media. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what it’s really like to work there. Plus, a personal connection can sometimes help get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few ideas for specials or menu items that could fit Barrafina’s style. Presenting your culinary vision during the interview can demonstrate your initiative and passion for the role, making you a memorable candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Harts Group family. Let’s get you that Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Spanish Cuisine: When you're writing your application, let your love for Spanish food and culture shine through. Share any experiences or dishes that inspire you, as this will show us you're the right fit for Barrafina's vibrant kitchen.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your experience in guiding and training kitchen staff. We want to see how you've fostered creativity and collaboration in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your skills and experiences, as we appreciate effective communication both in writing and in the kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will go straight to our talent team, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic community at Harts Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harts Group
✨Know Your Spanish Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Spanish food and culture. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. This will show your passion for the cuisine and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training staff, managing kitchen operations, and maintaining high standards. This is crucial for a Head Chef role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since communication between BOH and FOH is key, demonstrate your ability to convey ideas effectively. You might even want to role-play some scenarios with a friend.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen situations, like managing food stocks or creating daily specials. Think through your strategies and be prepared to share your creative approach to problem-solving.