At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create exceptional seasonal menus.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in Central London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and enhanced leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a positive kitchen culture with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape a new culinary experience and showcase your creativity from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong Head Chef experience and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
HEAD CHEF
Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £55,000 per annum | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Great food, beautiful presentation and the opportunity to create something genuinely special from the very beginning.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Head Chef to lead an exciting new Central London opening within an exceptional luxury workplace.
You will shape a fresh, modern food offer where quality ingredients, seasonality and creativity are at the heart of everything we do.
From vibrant everyday dishes to elegant fine dining, beautifully executed canapés and high-end events, you will set the standard across the entire kitchen.
This is your opportunity to build a talented team, develop exciting menus and create food you are genuinely proud to serve.
THE ROLE
- Lead the kitchen and establish exceptional culinary standards from day one
- Create fresh, seasonal menus across a modern workplace dining offer
- Deliver outstanding fine dining, hospitality, events, working lunches and canapé service
- Bring creativity, flavour and beautiful presentation to every part of the food offer
- Build, lead, motivate and develop a talented kitchen team
- Develop seasonal dishes, specials and new food concepts
- Work closely with the hospitality team to ensure every service and event is delivered seamlessly
- Take ownership of food quality, consistency and presentation
- Manage food cost, labour, ordering, stock and wastage effectively
- Build strong relationships with clients and understand their requirements
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene and compliance
- Create a positive kitchen culture where quality, creativity and pride in food come first
- WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Strong Head Chef experience within premium contract catering or another exceptional high-quality food environment
- A proven background across workplace dining and high-end hospitality
- Excellent fine dining, events and canapé experience
- A genuine passion for fresh, seasonal food and beautifully executed dishes
- Creativity and confidence to develop menus and bring new ideas to the table
- Strong commercial awareness across food cost, labour and kitchen performance
- An inspiring leadership style with the ability to build and develop a great team
- Exceptional organisation, consistency and attention to detail
- Confidence working closely with clients and senior stakeholders
- The ambition to create a food offer that genuinely stands out
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- The opportunity to shape an exceptional new opening from day one
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé
- Foodie Socials bringing our chefs together to explore new flavours, techniques and ideas
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London’s outstanding venues
- ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK’s most prestigious workplaces.
We’re a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer’s Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
If you are a Head Chef who loves great food, wants the freedom to create and is excited by the opportunity to shape an outstanding new opening, we would love to hear from you.
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Head Chef employer: Houston and Hawkes - Chanel
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture and the chance to be part of a prestigious new opening in Central London. With a focus on creativity, quality ingredients, and employee development, you will enjoy benefits such as competitive pay, free meals, and opportunities for ongoing learning and career progression. Join a team that celebrates culinary excellence and fosters a supportive environment where your skills and passion for food can truly shine.
Contact Details:
Houston and Hawkes - Chanel Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨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 Houston and Hawkes - Chanel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston and Hawkes - Chanel
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston and Hawkes - Chanel 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 Head Chef
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 Houston and Hawkes - Chanel 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 Houston and Hawkes - Chanel
✨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!
