At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the kitchen team, creating premium Portuguese dishes over open fire.
- Company: Join Luso, a Michelin Guide restaurant in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off at all MJMK restaurants, free meals, and generous holiday perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious hospitality group and elevate your culinary career.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years as a Head Chef in high-quality or Michelin-starred kitchens.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Head Chef, Luso - Michelin Guide (Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London) up to £70,000 a year + bonus (depending on experience)
The Head Chef Role
We are looking for a passionate Head Chef who will lead and inspire the kitchen team at Luso.
Our food is premium Portuguese, celebrating the diversity of the Portuguese coastline and countryside.
Luso is listed in the Michelin Guide, and a large part of this role is upholding the standards that recognition reflects.
You will bring genuine love for food and for the guest experience, setting the standard the team follows through every service.
We want someone who is excited to cook this style of food and to help us develop it.
Cooking over open fire is at the heart of the kitchen.
You will work with the grill and charcoal every day, alongside some of the best seafood we can get our hands on, so real confidence and experience with live fire and whole fish is essential.
You will take full accountability for the kitchen: food quality and consistency across every service, team recruitment, development, and the kitchen P&L.
Candidate requirements are
- An experienced Head Chef, with at least 3 to 5 years at this level in a high-quality or Michelin-starred kitchen.
- A leader who fosters teamwork and culture, contributing to a productive, respectful and fun working environment.
- Highly organised with strong task prioritisation, time management and clear delegation skills.
- Skilled at coaching and developing the team, building their skills, consistency and confidence across every section.
- Able to delegate well and develop the senior team, growing their leadership capability and competence.
- Strong technical cooking skills and experience with fresh seasonal produce, grill cookery and precise preparation of both fish and meat.
- Confident developing dishes and specials, from tasting and seasoning through to specification, costing and consistency on the pass.
- Commercially minded, owning GP, labour and controls.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety, allergen management and health and safety.
- Comfortable using back of house systems.
What We Offer Our Head Chef
- 50% 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 five days.
- Extra day’s holiday every year you’re with us, up to five extra days.
- Enhanced pension contributions after five years with us.
- Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action, including mental health and wellbeing support, a Benefits Hub and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- About LUSO
Luso opened on Charlotte Street in September 2025, celebrating the diversity of Portugal's Iberian coastline and countryside.
The menu blends the familiar with the unexpected, and the wine list reflects Portugal's variety, from underwater-aged wines to the country's long tradition of fortified wines, each bottle chosen with the same care that goes into every dish.
At Luso, we're all about energy, curiosity and passion for detail, and about a warm, generous welcome for everyone who joins us.
- The restaurant is in the Michelin guide
- About MJMK Restaurants
MJMK Restaurants owns and operates a collection of award-winning restaurants.
Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango.
In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients.
KOL has since earned a Michelin star and been named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair - our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra - and Anglo Thai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients.
Within three months of opening, Anglo Thai earned a Michelin star.
In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, Anglo Thai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7th in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50.
Luso, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.
We're building ambitious restaurant brands with a focus on quality, creativity and guest experience - and we're just getting started.
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Head Chef in London employer: Luso
MJMK Restaurants is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and personal growth. As a Sous Chef at Luso, you will benefit from extensive career development opportunities, mental health support, and generous perks such as a 50% discount across all restaurants and enhanced leave policies. Join us in a fast-paced kitchen environment where your culinary skills will shine and your contributions will be valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef 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 Luso. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Luso
Don't be shy about reaching out to Luso 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 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 Luso 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 Luso
✨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!
