Head Chef - London

Head Chef - London

Full-Time 60000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Legado

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team to create innovative, high-quality dishes in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Company: Join JKS Restaurants, a critically acclaimed group with a passion for culinary excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 50% off dining, discounted gym memberships, and mental health support.
  • Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic and supportive hospitality group.
  • Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and showcase your creativity in a vibrant culinary environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.

Salary - Up to £70,000 per year

Schedule - Full Time

Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef within a high-quality restaurant. Michelin experience is preferred, but not essential.

Legado are seeking a Head Chef to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.

The Location: Legado opened its doors in August 2025 in the heart of Shoreditch, with a clear purpose: to celebrate the breadth and depth of Spain's regional cooking. A sister restaurant to Sabor, Legado builds on that foundation while carving out its own identity - exploring lesser-known dishes and traditions from across Spain, guided by seasonality, whole-animal butchery and a deep respect for craft and provenance. From the Taberna - Legado's tapas and pintxos bar - to the main dining room, the restaurant is defined by thoughtful cooking, precise technique and warm, considered hospitality. Founded by Chef Nieves Barragn Mohacho, Legado reflects a lifetime of experience rooted in Spanish culinary heritage. Nieves' cooking is shaped by memory, travel and a commitment to honouring the stories of each region. Just seven months after opening, Legado was awarded a Michelin Star - a testament to the dedication, talent and collective ambition of the team.

The Position: As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes and specials; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Executive Chef and Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

  • Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant;
  • Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
  • A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
  • Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a Kitchen brigade;
  • Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
  • Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
  • A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.

Benefits:

  • Dining & Hospitality: Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants, CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants.
  • Health & Wellness: Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK, 24/7 GP & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare, 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing, Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it, Health, legal, money and debt support services available.
  • Entertainment: Up to 55% off cinema tickets, Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more), Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK.
  • Financial Support: Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it, Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning, Company donations for your involvement with charities.
  • Special Occasions & Recognition: Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions, Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment, Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral.

The Group: JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World's 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.

Head Chef - London employer: Legado

Legado, located in the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, is an exceptional employer that celebrates Spanish culinary heritage while fostering a warm and collaborative work environment. With a Michelin Star awarded just months after opening, employees benefit from a culture of excellence, innovative menu development, and extensive growth opportunities within a critically acclaimed restaurant group. The company also prioritises employee wellbeing with generous discounts, health services, and recognition programs, making it an ideal place for passionate chefs to thrive.
Legado

Contact Detail:

Legado Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend industry events, join culinary groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out for a chat over coffee. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Consider hosting a pop-up event or a tasting menu at a local venue. This not only showcases your culinary talents but also helps you build a following. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers who appreciate creativity and initiative.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a position that excites you, reach out directly to the restaurant. Send a friendly email expressing your interest, share your passion for their cuisine, and maybe even suggest a dish idea. This personal touch can set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques. Take online courses or attend workshops to sharpen your skills. The more you know, the more valuable you become to potential employers. And remember, we’ve got resources on our website to help you along the way!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - London

Menu Development
High-Quality Cooking
Team Management
Staff Training and Motivation
Budgeting and Cost Control
Stock Control
Health and Safety Compliance
Creativity in Culinary Arts
Attention to Detail
Knowledge of Seasonal Produce
Kitchen Operations Management
Strong Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who lives and breathes food!

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-quality restaurants. If you've got Michelin experience, flaunt it! We’re looking for someone who can bring their unique flair to our team.

Be Personable and Friendly: Since we value warm hospitality, don’t forget to showcase your personality in your application. We want to know how you connect with your team and guests. A friendly tone can go a long way in making your application stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Legado!

How to prepare for a job interview at Legado

✨Know Your Culinary Story

Before the interview, think about your culinary journey and how it aligns with Legado's mission. Be ready to share your experiences, especially those that highlight your passion for Spanish cuisine and innovative cooking techniques.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a kitchen brigade. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on training, motivation, and conflict resolution. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a positive kitchen environment.

✨Be Prepared to Discuss Menu Development

Since menu development is a key part of the role, come equipped with ideas or concepts that reflect seasonal produce and trends. This shows your creativity and understanding of the culinary landscape, which is crucial for a Michelin-starred restaurant.

✨Understand the Business Side

Familiarise yourself with budgeting, stock control, and staff management. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled these aspects in previous roles, as this will show that you can balance creativity with the operational demands of running a successful kitchen.

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