At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Banqueting team to create exceptional dishes for high-profile events.
- Company: Work at the iconic House of Lords, a prestigious UK institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' annual leave, a generous pension, and health programmes.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a unique environment.
- Why this job: Be part of history while delivering outstanding dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in professional kitchens and a culinary qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are seeking skilled and motivated Chef de Parties to join the Banqueting team within Catering and Retail Services at the House of Lords. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-end banqueting operation, delivering exceptional food for Peers, distinguished guests, and third-party clients within one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK.
As a Chef de Partie - Banqueting, you will play a key role in the preparation and delivery of high-profile events, ensuring dishes are produced to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation. You will uphold excellent food safety and hygiene practices, support kitchen organisation and stock control, and demonstrate confidence using computerised food safety and stock management systems.
Based onsite at Parliament, the banqueting operation at the House of Lords delivers refined, large-scale hospitality, including formal dinners, receptions, conferences, and bespoke events. This is a fast-paced and demanding environment where precision, organisation, and teamwork are essential. You'll be part of a professional brigade delivering outstanding dining experiences in a setting unlike any other.
What you'll be accountable to:
- Support the Sous Chef in the day-to-day running of a banqueting kitchen section.
- Deliver consistently high-quality food for Peers, official functions, private events, and third-party clients.
- Prepare, cook, and present banqueting dishes to specification across multiple covers.
- Assist with large-scale mise en place, service execution, and event breakdowns.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised working environment in line with food hygiene and health & safety regulations.
- Monitor food safety procedures, including digital temperature probing and fridge/freezer logging.
- Support stock control, inventory management, and event-specific ordering.
- Assist with stock rotation and minimise waste in line with sustainability goals.
If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply.
What we're looking for:
- Previous experience in a professional kitchen, ideally within high-end banqueting, events, hotels, or large-scale hospitality.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and allergen awareness.
- Ability to remain calm, organised, and effective under pressure.
- A recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of computerised food safety and stock systems.
- Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and double shifts, in line with event and service requirements.
- Occasional Saturday functions to be covered on a rota basis.
It would be even better if you had:
- Experience working in a heritage, institutional, or government catering environment.
- Exposure to VIP, protocolled, or high-profile events.
- Familiarity with British and international banqueting menus.
- An interest in sustainable, seasonal, and ethical food practices.
What you'll get in return:
- 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days after one year's service.
- A generous pension scheme.
- Access to the Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- A truly unique working environment - the opportunity to witness history in the making.
The work we do is vital to the House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member of a team delivering hospitality that supports its parliamentary, ceremonial, and commercial functions.
Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Friday 22nd May 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact: HL Recruitment. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Chef De Partie - Banqueting - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in London employer: House of Lords
The House of Lords offers an exceptional working environment for Chef de Parties, where you will be part of a prestigious institution delivering high-end banqueting services. With generous benefits such as 30 days' annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to health and wellbeing programmes, employees are supported in their professional growth and work-life balance. Join a dedicated team in a unique setting that not only values culinary excellence but also fosters inclusivity and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie - Banqueting - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in high-end banqueting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a portfolio of your best dishes or even offer to do a trial shift. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised and prepared! Research the House of Lords and their banqueting style. Knowing their menu and service standards will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at such a prestigious venue.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie - Banqueting - Westminster, SW1A 0PW in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your culinary experience and any specific skills that relate to high-end banqueting. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your previous roles and responsibilities, especially those that align with the job description.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Chef de Partie role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Know Your Banqueting Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of high-end banqueting practices. Familiarise yourself with the types of events held at prestigious venues like the House of Lords and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to talk about your previous experience in professional kitchens, especially in high-end settings. Highlight specific dishes you've prepared and how you maintained quality and presentation under pressure. If possible, bring a portfolio of your work or photos of your best dishes.
✨Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge
Since food hygiene is crucial in this role, make sure you can confidently discuss HACCP principles and food safety practices. Be ready to explain how you monitor food safety procedures and ensure compliance with health regulations in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The banqueting team thrives on collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Also, express your willingness to adapt to varying schedules and demands, as flexibility is key in a fast-paced setting like this.
