At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small kitchen team and develop exciting new menus.
- Company: Independent cocktail bar and pizza restaurant with a welcoming vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, creative input, and fast career development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with strong growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the menu and make a real impact in a thriving kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for food.
LOCKES is an independent, family-owned cocktail bar and pizza restaurant in the heart of London's West End. Rated 4.8 stars on Google across 800+ reviews and 4.9 on TagVenue, we've built one of Covent Garden's most welcoming venues - two floors, two bars, a proper kitchen, and a team that genuinely cares about every guest. We've recently opened a second site on Battersea Rise in Clapham Junction, and both are growing.
This is a kitchen leadership role with genuine creative input. You'll be based primarily at Covent Garden with occasional shifts in Clapham, running a small kitchen team across breakfast, lunch and evening service. Right now we serve a brilliant breakfast from 8am and an Italian-inspired menu of Neapolitan sourdough pizzas, sharing boards and small plates. We're ready to go further. We want to develop a lunch and evening food offer alongside our existing menu and we want the right person to help build it.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading a small kitchen team across breakfast, lunch and evening service
- Helping develop and introduce a new lunch and dinner menu alongside our existing pizza offer
- Maintaining consistently high food quality, presentation and hygiene standards at all times
- Managing prep, ordering and stock control - keeping the kitchen running cleanly and efficiently
- Covering key shifts across Covent Garden (primary) and Clapham Junction (occasional)
- Jumping in wherever the team needs you - we're a small, tight operation and everyone plays their part
What We're Looking For:
- Solid experience leading a small kitchen team - comfortable holding the pass and developing the people around you
- Food Safety / Hygiene Level 3 - essential, non-negotiable
- Experience with breakfast service - we open at 8am, early starts are part of the role
- Ideally some experience with Italian, pizza-focused or Mediterranean menus - though not essential
- A genuine team player - no egos, no drama, happy to do whatever the shift needs
- Someone excited by the idea of building something, not just maintaining it
Why Join Us:
- Work directly alongside a founder with 30 years experience and 40 site openings - you'll develop fast
- Real creative input into a new food offer from day one - this is your menu to help shape
- £18ph guaranteed base + service charge - typical total earnings £20-22ph, competitive with much larger operations
- Two strong central London locations with loyal regulars and great teams
- A proper independent - no corporate layers, decisions made quickly, your voice heard
- 4.8 Google / 4.9 TagVenue - we're proud of what we've built and we're not done yet
The Detail:
- Salary: £18 per hour guaranteed base + service charge. Typical total earnings £20-22 per hour.
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent. Probation period applies.
- Hours: Early starts required. Kitchen opens at 6:30-7:00am for 8am breakfast service. Shifts across both sites.
- Holiday: 28 days per year including bank holidays.
- Right to work: You must have the right to work in the UK. Checks will be carried out before employment commences.
- Travel: Covent Garden is your primary base. Clapham Junction shifts are occasional. Travel between sites is by public transport (approx. 35-40 minutes).
Chef in London employer: Lockes Bar
LOCKES is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant, independent environment where your culinary creativity can truly shine. With a strong focus on team collaboration and direct mentorship from a founder with extensive hospitality experience, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values your input and fosters professional growth. Located in the heart of London's West End, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality food and service, all while enjoying competitive earnings and a genuine sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before you apply, pop into LOCKES for a drink or a bite. Chat with the staff and soak up the vibe. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your approach when you do apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at LOCKES. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share some ideas for new dishes or menu items. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your eagerness to contribute to the kitchen's growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at LOCKES. Don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience and love for food!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating new dishes. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who genuinely cares about the food they serve.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a kitchen leadership role, make sure to emphasise your experience in leading a team. Talk about how you've developed others in the kitchen and how you handle the pressures of service. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and uplift their team!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to LOCKES. Mention our focus on Italian-inspired cuisine and how your experience aligns with our vision. We appreciate when candidates take the extra step to connect with us.
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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen to be part of our team at LOCKES!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lockes Bar
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with LOCKES' current menu and any special dishes they offer. Think about how you can contribute to developing new lunch and dinner options. This shows your genuine interest in the role and gives you a chance to share your creative ideas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous kitchen leadership experiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team, maintained high standards, and handled busy service periods. Highlighting your ability to inspire and develop others will resonate well with the owner-operated ethos of LOCKES.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
LOCKES values a team-player attitude, so be prepared to talk about times when you’ve jumped in to help your colleagues or adapted to changing circumstances in the kitchen. Share specific examples that demonstrate your willingness to do whatever it takes to keep the operation running smoothly.
✨Passion for Food Safety and Quality
Since food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable, be ready to discuss your qualifications, especially your Food Safety / Hygiene Level 3 certification. Talk about how you ensure high food quality and presentation standards in your kitchen, as this aligns with LOCKES' commitment to excellence.
