At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn from experienced chefs while preparing fresh, high-quality dishes.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in London.
- Benefits: Earn £32,000, enjoy free meals, and receive excellent career support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and opportunities for genuine progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career with hands-on experience in vibrant food environments.
- Qualifications: Some kitchen experience or culinary training; passion for food and learning.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
- COMMIS CHEF
- Houston & Hawkes | London | £32,000 per annum | Monday to Friday
A brilliant first step for a talented chef who is serious about building an exceptional career in food.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an ambitious Commis Chef to join one of our prestigious London client sites.
Working alongside an experienced and talented chef, you’ll have the opportunity to learn every day, develop strong foundations and gain valuable experience across both vibrant retail food and refined fine dining hospitality.
This is more than simply a Commis Chef position.
It’s an opportunity for someone with real potential, curiosity and passion to learn from an experienced kitchen team, develop their technique and begin building a career they can be proud of.
You’ll work with fresh ingredients, learn different styles of service and be encouraged to grow your confidence, creativity and skills.
THE ROLE
- Work closely with experienced chefs, learning strong kitchen techniques and professional standards
- Prepare fresh ingredients and support the production of high-quality dishes from scratch
- Gain hands-on experience across both retail food and fine dining hospitality
- Support the preparation and delivery of seasonal dishes, working lunches and hospitality menus
- Learn about presentation, flavour, consistency and the detail behind exceptional food
- Develop your knife skills, preparation techniques and understanding of different cooking methods
- Support the kitchen team throughout preparation and service
- Help with stock rotation, deliveries and keeping ingredients organised correctly
- Take pride in maintaining a clean, organised and professional kitchen
- Learn and follow excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and health and safety standards
- WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Some professional kitchen experience or relevant culinary training
- A genuine ambition to build a long-term career as a chef
- A real passion for food and a strong desire to learn
- Curiosity, enthusiasm and an interest in developing new techniques and skills
- A positive attitude and willingness to listen, learn and take feedback
- Good basic kitchen skills and an understanding of professional kitchen standards
- A strong work ethic and pride in doing things properly
- Good organisation, reliability and attention to detail
- A team-focused approach and the confidence to ask questions and keep developing
- An interest in both modern retail food and fine dining hospitality
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- Monday to Friday
- The opportunity to learn directly from an experienced chef and talented kitchen team
- Excellent exposure to both retail and fine dining hospitality
- A supportive environment where your development and progression genuinely matter
- 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
- 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 client sites.
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 serious about becoming a great chef and want the training, experience and support to build an exciting career, we would love to hear from you.
Deli Chef in London 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 Deli Chef in London
✨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 Deli Chef in London
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!
