At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present high-quality dishes in a fine dining kitchen.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent contract caterer.
- Benefits: Earn £15.75 per hour, enjoy free meals, and have your birthday off!
- Other info: Monday to Friday shifts only, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Perfect opportunity to learn from experienced chefs in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience is a plus; passion for food is essential.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Central London
Pay Rate: £15.75 per hour
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday (no weekends)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Fine Dining. Fresh Ingredients. A Brilliant Place to Learn and Grow.
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Commis Chef to join our professional kitchen team at a fine dining site in Central London. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef early in their career who’s eager to develop skills, work with quality produce, and be part of a team that takes real pride in its craft.
About The Role
As a Commis Chef, you’ll work alongside our experienced chefs to prepare and present dishes to a high standard. You’ll be part of a supportive and passionate team, learning on the job while contributing to the smooth running of daily kitchen service. You’ll work with fresh ingredients, refined techniques, and a brigade that delivers exceptional food to discerning guests — all in a structured Monday to Friday environment, perfect for work‑life balance.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting with preparation of high-quality dishes
- Working cleanly and efficiently in all sections of the kitchen
- Learning techniques and recipes from senior chefs
- Following food hygiene and safety procedures at all times
- Assisting with stock rotation and general kitchen duties
- Upholding fine dining standards in both prep and presentation
What We’re Looking For
- Some previous kitchen experience (even basic) in restaurants, hotels or events
- A genuine passion for food and the hospitality industry
- Eagerness to learn, improve and contribute to a high-performing team
- A reliable, punctual and positive attitude
- Ability to work under pressure and stay calm during busy service
- Basic food hygiene knowledge (training provided if needed)
Benefits
- £15.75 per hour
- Monday to Friday only – no weekends
- 40 hours per week
- Free meals while on duty
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Birthday off every year – paid
- Uniform provided and laundered
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance (2x salary)
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- CODE membership – hospitality perks and discounts
- Training and internal development opportunities
- Company events and employee recognition
Who We Are
Houston & Hawkes is an award‑winning, independent contract caterer known for fresh, seasonal food and people‑first service. We’re a certified B Corp and ranked among the Top 30 hospitality employers in the UK. We work with clients who value quality, sustainability, and professionalism — and we build teams who share those values.
Ready to Join?
If you’re a rising chef ready to step into a professional kitchen and grow your skills in a fine dining environment, apply today and start your journey with Houston & Hawkes.
Commis Chef in London employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a supportive and professional kitchen environment in the heart of Central London. With a focus on fresh ingredients and fine dining, employees benefit from a structured Monday to Friday schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities for training and personal development. The company prides itself on its people-first culture, providing generous benefits such as free meals, paid birthday leave, and a contributory pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their culinary skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with chefs and industry folks at local events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your love for food and cooking. Talk about your experiences, even if they’re basic, and let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a trial shift! Many kitchens will want to see you in action. Brush up on your knife skills and be prepared to showcase your ability to work under pressure while keeping things clean and organised.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Houston & Hawkes.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for food and the hospitality industry shine through. Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in becoming a chef, even if they’re small!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you’ve only got basic kitchen experience, make sure to mention it! Tell us about any roles you've had in restaurants, hotels, or events, and how they’ve prepared you for this Commis Chef position.
Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Use your application to express your personality and what makes you unique. A positive attitude and eagerness to learn are key, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of joining our team. We can’t wait to see your application and hopefully welcome you aboard!
How to prepare for a job interview at Houston & Hawkes
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh ingredients commonly used in fine dining. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them using these ingredients. This shows your passion for food and understanding of quality produce.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for learning new techniques and recipes from senior chefs. Share examples of how you've previously sought out opportunities to improve your skills, whether through courses or hands-on experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work well in a team environment. Mention any past experiences where you collaborated with others in a kitchen setting, and emphasise your positive attitude and reliability, which are crucial in a high-pressure kitchen.
✨Understand Food Hygiene Basics
Brush up on basic food hygiene knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss why food safety is important in a kitchen and how you would ensure cleanliness and organisation in your work area. This will show that you take the role seriously and are ready to uphold their standards.
