At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Sous Chef and create vibrant, seasonal dishes in a luxury setting.
- Company: Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, enhanced leave, and exclusive masterclasses.
- Other info: Enjoy career progression, celebrate achievements, and be part of a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Shape an exciting new opening and showcase your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium catering and a passion for fresh, seasonal food.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Sous Chef to join an exciting new Central London opening within an exceptional luxury workplace.
Working closely with the Head Chef, you will help deliver a fresh, modern food offer where quality ingredients, seasonality and creativity are at the heart of every service.
From vibrant everyday dishes to elegant fine dining, beautifully executed canap s and high-end events, you will bring skill, consistency and real pride in food to everything you produce.,
- Support the Head Chef in delivering an exceptional culinary offer from day one
- Help lead the kitchen across workplace dining and high-end hospitality
- Prepare and deliver fresh, seasonal food with outstanding flavour and presentation
- Support fine dining, events, working lunches and canap service
- Contribute ideas to seasonal menus, specials and new food concepts
- Take responsibility for kitchen standards and service in the Head Chef's absence
- Lead, support and develop junior chefs
- Maintain exceptional consistency and attention to detail across every service
- Manage preparation, stock, ordering, portion control and wastage effectively
- Work closely with the hospitality team to ensure events and client requirements are delivered seamlessly
- Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and compliance standards
- Experience within premium contract catering or another high-quality fresh-food environment
- Strong experience across workplace dining and high-end hospitality
- Excellent cooking skills and a genuine passion for fresh, seasonal food
- Confidence delivering fine dining, events and canap service
- Creativity and a strong eye for modern food presentation
- Excellent organisation and a calm, positive leadership style
- Good commercial awareness with an understanding of food cost, stock and wastage
- A genuine desire to develop and inspire other chefs
- Exceptional attention to detail and consistently high standards
- 40 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- The opportunity to help shape an exceptional new opening
- 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 Ab
- 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.
Sous Chef - London in City of Westminster employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - London in City of Westminster
✨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 & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Sous Chef - London in City of Westminster
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 & Hawkes 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 & Hawkes
✨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!
