Relief Sous Chef in London

RELIEF SOUS CHEF
Houston & Hawkes | London | £42,000 per annum | 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Variety, exceptional food and the opportunity to bring your skills to some of our most prestigious Central London client sites.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a talented Relief Sous Chef to join our culinary team, working across a portfolio of premium Central London client sites. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident, adaptable chef who enjoys variety, loves working with different teams and can bring exceptional standards wherever they are needed.
One day you may be supporting a vibrant retail service, the next helping deliver an elegant fine dining lunch or high-end hospitality event. You'll work alongside talented chefs across our business, bringing creativity, consistency and a calm, professional approach to every kitchen you support.
THE ROLE Provide hands-on culinary support across a portfolio of premium Central London client sites
Relief Sous Chefs, Head Chefs and kitchen teams during busy periods, holidays and operational requirements
Prepare and deliver exceptional food across both retail and fine dining hospitality
Support high-end hospitality, working lunches, events and bespoke client requirements
Step confidently into different kitchens and quickly understand each site's food offer, team and priorities
Maintain exceptional quality, consistency and presentation wherever you are working
Bring creativity and fresh ideas while respecting the individual style and requirements of each site
Support menu preparation, ordering, stock control, food cost and waste management where required
Work collaboratively with chefs and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless service
Support and guide junior chefs, sharing knowledge and maintaining strong kitchen standards
Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and health and safety standards at all times
WHAT YOU'LL BRING A strong background in contract catering, five-star hotels, Michelin-level restaurants or another premium food environment
Experience across both retail food and fine dining hospitality is highly desirable
A genuine passion for fresh, beautifully prepared food and exceptional presentation
The confidence to move between different Central London sites and adapt quickly to new kitchens and teams
Strong culinary skills with the ability to maintain consistently high standards
Excellent organisation and the ability to work calmly in changing environments
A positive, flexible and hands-on approach
Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships quickly
A professional approach and genuine pride in the food you produce
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES? £42,000 per annum
40 hours per week
Monday to Friday
A varied culinary role across some of our most prestigious Central London client sites
The opportunity to experience different food styles, teams and premium operations
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 a talented chef who enjoys variety, loves both retail and fine dining and wants the opportunity to work with exceptional teams across Central London, we would love to hear from you.
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