At a Glance
- Tasks: Create bold, flavour-driven Japanese dishes in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Celeste, a stylish new venue in Notting Hill with a unique culinary experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous gratuities, staff discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy biannual socials, birthday off, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team and showcase your culinary skills in a high-end setting.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in a senior commis or CDP role with strong Japanese cooking techniques.
The predicted salary is between 31707 - 42237 £ per year.
Who are we? Celeste is the newest property from the world of Estelle, sister to Maison Estelle in Mayfair and Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire. A meticulously restored townhouse, Celeste is opening in a vibrant Notting Hill, London. A public Italian-American restaurant is located on the ground floor, complete with alfresco front terrace, elegant wrap around bar counter and a glazed conservatory in the rear. Set on the first floor, our oak‑panelled, Tokyo‑influenced members’ bar evokes Art Deco grandeur, with a sculptural bar stretching beneath soaring windows. Celeste’s second floor offers members an open kitchen‑style pantry, serving Japanese dishes from the traditional robata, alongside delectable sushi and sashimi. Tucked beneath the eaves, on Celeste’s third floor, ‘The Apartment’ is an ideal spot for a private hosted occasion, with rustic beams, reclaimed wooden floors and the spirit of an artist’s studio.
Here’s a bit more detail on what we see you doing in this role: As Chef de Partie in our Izakaya kitchen, you’ll take ownership of your section and support the delivery of bold, flavour-driven dishes inspired by Japanese izakaya cooking. You’ll work closely with the senior chefs to ensure consistency, pace, and precision across preparation, service, and mise en place.
Who we are looking for:
- 4-5 years’ experience in a senior commis or CDP role within a high‑end Asian or Japanese‑influenced kitchen
- Strong understanding of core Japanese techniques – grilling, frying, knife work, stocks, and seasonings
- Good knowledge of production planning and kitchen hygiene
- Calm, organised, and able to work with speed while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation
What’s in it for you? The on target earning potential for this role is £42,237 per annum – comprising a base salary of £31,707 plus a qualified estimate of £10,530 in gratuities and service charge. At Estelle, we prioritize your well‑being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience:
- Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
- Exclusive staff rates and F&B discounts across Ennismore brand.
- Birthday day off
- Goes without saying, but we will feed you during your shift.
- Added protection of our pension, health cash plan and life assurance schemes.
- 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
- Recommend-a-friend bonus scheme.
Izakaya Chef de Partie — Japanese Kitchen, Perks in City of Westminster employer: Maison Estelle
Celeste, located in the vibrant Notting Hill, London, is an exceptional employer that values the well-being and growth of its team members. With a focus on delivering bold, flavour-driven Japanese cuisine, employees enjoy a supportive work culture enriched by biannual socials, exclusive discounts, and comprehensive benefits including a health cash plan and increased holiday with service. Join us to be part of a dynamic kitchen environment where your skills can flourish and your contributions are celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Izakaya Chef de Partie — Japanese Kitchen, Perks in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen vibe! Before your interview, check out Celeste's social media and website. Familiarise yourself with their menu and style; it’ll help you connect during the chat and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your Japanese techniques! Brush up on your grilling and knife skills, and maybe even whip up a few dishes at home. Being able to talk about your experience with these techniques will definitely impress the chefs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the kitchen culture and what the team values most, which can be a game-changer in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team at Celeste, which is always a bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Izakaya Chef de Partie — Japanese Kitchen, Perks in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine:When you're writing your application, let your love for Japanese cooking shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and make it clear why you want to be part of our Izakaya kitchen at Celeste.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your 4-5 years of experience in high-end Asian or Japanese kitchens. We want to see how your skills in grilling, frying, and knife work can contribute to our bold, flavour-driven dishes.
Be Organised and Precise:In your application, emphasise your ability to stay calm and organised under pressure. Mention specific examples where you've maintained high standards of quality and presentation, as this is key for us at Celeste.
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 out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maison Estelle
✨Know Your Japanese Techniques
Brush up on your knowledge of core Japanese cooking techniques like grilling, frying, and knife work. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding and passion for the cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires calmness and organisation under pressure, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed your section during busy service times. Highlight how you maintained high standards while working efficiently.
✨Understand the Izakaya Concept
Familiarise yourself with the izakaya dining experience and its cultural significance. Being able to articulate what makes izakaya unique and how you can contribute to that atmosphere will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, team dynamics, and the types of dishes you'll be creating. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
