At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in running a high-performing Izakaya kitchen and lead service.
- Company: Celeste, a vibrant new property in Notting Hill from the Estelle family.
- Benefits: Earn up to £57,900 with great perks like socials, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and develop your culinary skills in a premium environment.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in a senior kitchen role with strong leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 40350 - 40350 £ 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 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 Sous Chef in our Izakaya kitchen, you will support the Head Chef in running a high-performing kitchen. You’ll help lead service, manage prep, ensure consistency across dishes, and support team development in a fast-paced, premium environment.
Who we are looking for:
- 1–2 years in a senior kitchen role, ideally as Sous Chef or Junior Sous
- Calm, efficient, and quality-driven in service
- Strong understanding of stock ordering, kitchen structure, and rota management
- A team player with strong leadership potential and attention to detail
What’s in it for you? The on target earning potential for this role is £57,900 per annum - comprising a base salary of £40,350 plus a qualified estimate of £17,550 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&A 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.
Sous Chef, Izakaya - Japanese Kitchen in London employer: Maison Estelle
Celeste, the latest gem in the Estelle collection, offers an exceptional work environment in the vibrant heart of Notting Hill, London. As a Sous Chef in our Izakaya kitchen, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive atmosphere that prioritises your professional growth, with competitive earnings, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like exclusive staff discounts and social events. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality Japanese cuisine in a beautifully restored townhouse setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef, Izakaya - Japanese Kitchen in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Celeste.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to do a trial shift or stage at the restaurant. It’s a great way to show off your skills and get a feel for the kitchen vibe. Plus, it gives you a chance to impress the Head Chef and team directly!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for Japanese cuisine! When you chat with potential employers, share your experiences and what excites you about working in an Izakaya kitchen. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets the culture and craft behind the dishes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef, Izakaya - Japanese Kitchen in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine:When you're writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in a Japanese kitchen. Share any experiences you've had with Japanese food or culture that make you a great fit for the Sous Chef role.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Sous Chef, you'll be supporting the Head Chef and leading the team. Make sure to mention any previous leadership roles or experiences where you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored others. We want to see your potential!
Be Specific About Your Experience:We love details! When you describe your past roles, be specific about your responsibilities and achievements. Talk about how you've contributed to a high-performing kitchen and any unique dishes you've created or helped develop.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you as soon as possible. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maison Estelle
✨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Familiarise yourself with the key elements of Japanese cooking, especially those relevant to Izakaya-style dishes. Be ready to discuss your experience with sushi, sashimi, and robata grilling techniques during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed kitchen staff, resolved conflicts, or improved service efficiency in your previous roles.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Brush up on your knowledge of stock ordering, rota management, and kitchen structure. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure consistency across dishes and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in the kitchen. Think about how you would handle busy service periods or unexpected challenges, and be ready to share your thought process.
