At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team of chefs in creating exceptional Mediterranean dishes.
- Company: Join a premium luxury restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, KPI bonus, and excellent company perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and industry-leading training await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a renowned dining experience and shape the future of luxury hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-end restaurant environment.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Premium Luxury Restaurant
Location: Mayfair, London
Salary Package: £70,000 + KPI Bonus + Company Benefits
Full-time: 45 Hours
Are you an inspirational Head Chef with a passion for exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, high-end hospitality, and developing outstanding teams? This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of one of Mayfair's most exciting luxury dining destinations. Our client operates a stunning, design-led Greek and Mediterranean restaurant that has quickly established itself as one of London's most talked-about dining experiences. Combining exceptional ingredients, vibrant hospitality, a wood-fired oven, and a specialist robata grill, the restaurant delivers a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cooking at the highest level. The business is genuinely people-first, having been recognised as one of the UK's Best Employers for three consecutive years. With ambitious but sustainable growth plans, they continue to expand organically while maintaining an exceptional culture and reputation across the industry.
The Role
We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead a talented brigade of over 20 chefs within a high-volume, luxury restaurant operation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational expertise, outstanding culinary standards, and a genuine passion for mentoring and developing people. You will be responsible for driving kitchen performance, maintaining exceptional food quality, and ensuring a culture of excellence throughout the brigade. Working closely with senior leadership, you will have the opportunity to influence menus, support ongoing innovation, and contribute to the continued success of one of Mayfair's premier restaurant destinations.
The Person
You are an experienced and commercially aware Head Chef who thrives in premium restaurant environments. You combine strong leadership skills with a calm, organised approach and understand how to balance creativity, consistency, profitability, and team engagement. Most importantly, you are passionate about people and recognise that great restaurants are built by great teams.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience as a Head Chef within a premium, luxury restaurant environment
- Strong leadership experience managing large kitchen brigades of 20+ chefs
- A passion for Mediterranean, open-fire, robata, and wood-fired cooking
- Excellent kitchen organisation, planning, and operational management skills
- Strong financial acumen, including labour control, food cost management, and stock accountability
- A track record of developing and retaining high-performing kitchen teams
- Exceptional standards around food quality, consistency, and presentation
- The ability to perform and lead under pressure within a high-volume operation
- A collaborative approach and desire to contribute to a positive, people-focused culture
Package
- Salary up to £70,000
- KPI Bonus Scheme
- Excellent company benefits package
- Genuine work-life balance focus
- Industry-leading training and development opportunities
- Career progression within a highly respected and growing hospitality group
- The opportunity to lead one of London's most exciting premium restaurant kitchens
Why This Role?
Because this isn't just another Head Chef position. It's an opportunity to join a market-leading restaurant group that genuinely invests in its people, values long-term career development, and continues to set standards within London's premium dining scene. You'll lead an exceptional team, work with outstanding produce, and play a key role in the future growth of a business that is widely recognised as one of the hospitality industry's best employers.
Hesketh James Recruitment are acting as the managing agent for this role on behalf of the client. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 72 hours. If you do not hear from us within this time, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Head Chef Restaurant in London employer: Hesketh James Recruitment
Join a prestigious luxury restaurant in Mayfair, London, where exceptional Mediterranean cuisine meets a people-first culture. With a competitive salary package of £70,000 plus bonuses and benefits, this role offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a highly respected hospitality group. Experience a supportive work environment that prioritises work-life balance and fosters a collaborative spirit among a talented team of chefs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef Restaurant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend culinary events, join local chef associations, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or a pop-up restaurant to showcase your Mediterranean cooking. This not only highlights your culinary talents but also demonstrates your leadership and team management skills. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the restaurant scene in Mayfair. Know the ins and outs of the top dining spots, especially those focusing on Mediterranean cuisine. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and show potential employers that you’re genuinely passionate about their establishment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and ace those tough questions. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Let’s get you that Head Chef position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef Restaurant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for Mediterranean cuisine shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about leading a kitchen that focuses on high-end hospitality.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've successfully managed large teams before. Talk about your leadership style and any specific examples where you've developed or mentored chefs in your brigade.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in premium restaurant environments. Mention any relevant achievements, especially around food quality and operational management, to show us you're the right fit.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hesketh James Recruitment
✨Know Your Mediterranean Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Mediterranean dishes, especially those that are popular in Greek cuisine. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you would put your unique spin on them. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you manage a large kitchen brigade. Share specific examples of how you've mentored chefs in the past and fostered a positive team culture. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Discuss Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with managing food costs, labour control, and stock accountability. Prepare some examples of how you've successfully balanced creativity with profitability in previous roles, as this is key for maintaining high standards in a luxury restaurant.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for People
Since the restaurant values a people-first culture, be sure to express your commitment to developing and retaining high-performing teams. Share stories that highlight your dedication to creating a supportive and engaging work environment, which aligns with their ethos.
