At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen at Vivat Bacchus Farringdon and open new venues.
- Company: Join a growing brand with exciting multi-site opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and a clear path to career growth.
- Other info: This is a long-term opportunity for those ready to invest in their career.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our kitchens and earn your way to a Multi-Site Chef role.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for developing others.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Vivat Bacchus is entering its next chapter - new sites, a new brand direction, and a growing multi-venue portfolio. We're looking for a chef who wants to build something, not just run a kitchen.
This role starts as Head Chef at our Farringdon site, working closely with our Group Exec Chef to bed in, learn the brand inside out, and prove what you can do. From there, as we open our next site, you'll recruit and develop your successor in Farringdon and step forward to open and run our new venues. If you build a strong track record doing that, there's the opportunity to grow further into a Multi-Site Chef role across Vivat Bacchus, working under and reporting into our Group Executive Chef.
We're not offering a job, or a guaranteed title down the line. We're offering a seat at the table as we scale, and the chance to earn your way into a bigger role.
What the Role Looks Like
- Phase 1 (first 6–12 months): Head Chef, Vivat Bacchus Farringdon. Full ownership of the kitchen day-to-day, working in close collaboration with our Group Exec Chef to align on standards, sourcing, and systems.
- Phase 2: As we open our next site, recruit and train your own replacement in Farringdon, then step forward to open and run the new venue - bringing the standards and systems you've built in Farringdon with you.
- Long term (if it's earned): As the Vivat Bacchus portfolio grows, and if you've proven you can build, hand over, and open sites to a consistently high standard, there's the opportunity to grow into a Multi-Site Chef role, overseeing standards and teams across multiple venues - reporting into our Group Executive Chef, who continues to lead food across the group.
Who We're Looking For
- A strong Head Chef who wants to bed in properly at Farringdon first, then grow with the business as new sites open - this is a considered, step-by-step path, not a race.
- A genuine leader and developer of people - someone who can recruit, train, and hand over a kitchen to a successor they've built, rather than someone who wants to hoard the role.
- Ambition to take on more sites over time, and the understanding that this is earned through results, not assumed from day one; multi-site experience is a plus, but what matters most is proving standards can travel and training others to hold them.
- Comfortable working closely with senior leadership day to day, especially in the first year, and happy to keep reporting into our Group Exec Chef as the role grows.
- Not in a rush, and comfortable without a fixed timeline. This is a long-term move for the right person - we're building a career path and a team around whoever takes this on, but how quickly (or whether) that path extends into a multi-site role depends on how you perform, not the calendar.
What We're Not Looking For
We're not hiring an external name to sit in an office and fire off emails. This role is hands-on, kitchen-first, with the chance to earn bigger responsibility over time — but that chance is earned through proving it in Farringdon and beyond, not handed over on a schedule.
What You'll Get
- A clear route from Head Chef into opening and running new venues, with the further opportunity - earned through performance, not guaranteed, and on no fixed timeline - to grow into a Multi-Site Chef role as the business scales (multiple new sites in the pipeline).
- Direct collaboration with our Group Executive Chef and the space to shape how standards operate as the brand scales.
- A long-term stake in the business as it grows - this is a five-year play, not a quick placement.
- We'd rather wait for the right person than rush a decision. If that's you, we want to hear from you - but only if you're genuinely in it for the long game.
Competitive salary
Head Chef at Vivat Bacchus in London employer: Humble Grape
Humble Grape is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, perfect for creative chefs looking to make their mark in a wine-led kitchen. With a focus on employee wellbeing and growth, we offer opportunities for menu development and staff training, all while celebrating seasonal ingredients and sharing-style cooking. Join us in London and be part of a team that values innovation and teamwork in a dynamic culinary environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef at Vivat Bacchus 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 Humble Grape. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Humble Grape
Don't be shy about reaching out to Humble Grape 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 at Vivat Bacchus 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 Humble Grape 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 Humble Grape
✨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!
