At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, ensuring every pizza is served to perfection and standards are met.
- Company: Join Lenny's, a new pizzeria in Covent Garden from award-winning MJMK Restaurants.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off at all MJMK restaurants, free meals on shift, and extra holiday days.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting opening team and grow within a dynamic hospitality group.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Sous Chef - London Lenny's Overview Lenny's is a new pizzeria on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, from Max Lewis and MJMK Restaurants, the team behind Casa do Frango, Fonda, Luso, KOL and Anglo Thai.
The result of Max's extensive travels to New Haven, Connecticut, Lenny's is built around pizzas that are crispy, chewy and charred.
A revival of his much-loved pop-up, it will now have a permanent home in the heart of Covent Garden.
We're building the opening team now.
Sous Chef We are looking for a Sous Chef to join the opening team and be our Head Chef's right hand at Lenny's.
This is an exciting role, focused on keeping every section of the kitchen running at the standard Lenny's is built on.
You lead by example on the pass, in prep and across the kitchen, making sure every pizza and dish is served to perfection, just as Max intended.
You step up and run the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, so the standard never drops.
What You'll Do Lead the kitchen through service, ensuring standards are followed every time.
Inspire, train and develop the kitchen team, ensuring they are motivated and know their responsibilities.
Ensure every pizza leaves crispy, chewy and charred, following Lenny's specs.
Manage stock, ordering, GP and food costs, keeping waste low.
Keep deliveries, food safety, HACCP and allergens on point, every shift.
Plan prep, deliveries and rotas so every section runs like clockwork.
What We're Looking For A passionate, strong leader with the ability to train, develop and hold the team to the standards we have agreed.
Experience as a Sous Chef or Junior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-led kitchen.
Sound knowledge of stock, GP, food cost and kitchen compliance across HACCP, allergens and food safety.
A Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety qualification, or the drive to work towards one.
Strong communication and organisational skills, with attention to detail and consistency.
Driven by quality and consistency, with genuine energy in the kitchen every shift.
What We Offer 50% team discount across all MJMK restaurants.
Free team meals while on shift.
Up to 500 team referral bonus.
Opportunity to grow within one of London's most ambitious hospitality groups.
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after one year with us.
Paid company sick pay after one year, up to 5 days.
Extra day's holiday every year you're with us, up to 5 extra days.
Enhanced pension contributions after 5 years with us.
Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action, including mental health & well-being support, a Benefits Hub with retail discounts, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
About MJMK Restaurants We own and operate a collection of award-winning restaurants.
Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, the group includes Casa do Frango, KOL, Fonda, Anglo Thai, Luso and Lenny's.
KOL holds a Michelin Star and was named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Anglo Thai earned a Michelin Star within three months of opening and was named The Square Opening of the Year in the 2025 National Restaurant Awards.
We're building ambitious restaurant brands with a focus on quality, creativity and guest experience, and we're just getting started.
Sous Chef - London employer: Lenny's
Lenny’s, located in the vibrant Covent Garden, is an exceptional employer that prioritises both employee well-being and professional growth. With a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork, employees enjoy benefits such as generous discounts, free meals, and opportunities for advancement within a renowned hospitality group. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable guest experiences in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef - 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 Lenny's. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Lenny's
Don't be shy about reaching out to Lenny's 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 Sous Chef - 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 Lenny's 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 Lenny's
✨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!