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 a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Work closely with an experienced founder and enjoy career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the menu and make a real impact in a growing venue.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
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—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—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 Kitchen in Slough 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 will have the chance to influence menu development and grow alongside a dedicated team in the heart of London's West End. Enjoy competitive earnings, a supportive work culture, and the satisfaction of being part of a well-loved local establishment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Kitchen in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into LOCKES for a drink or a bite. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and menu will help you connect better during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight any unique dishes or concepts you've developed in previous roles. This is your chance to impress them with your culinary flair and vision for their menu.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've motivated your team or handled challenges in the kitchen. They want to see that you can lead and inspire others, especially in a small, tight-knit operation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the LOCKES family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Kitchen in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that genuine excitement for creating delicious dishes.
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 and maintained high standards in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and elevate our kitchen team!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to LOCKES. Mention specific aspects of our menu or values that resonate with you. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
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 Italian or pizza-focused dishes. Think about how you can contribute to developing new lunch and dinner options. This shows your genuine interest and readiness to bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your experience leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team, handled challenges, and maintained high standards. This will demonstrate that you have the right attitude and skills to thrive in a small, dynamic kitchen environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
LOCKES values a team-player mentality, so highlight your ability to jump in wherever needed. Share stories that illustrate your collaborative spirit and willingness to adapt to different roles within the kitchen. This will resonate well with their tight-knit operation.
✨Prepare Questions About Growth Opportunities
Since this role involves building something new, come prepared with questions about future menu development and how you can influence the kitchen's direction. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing to LOCKES' success.
