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: Competitive salary with gratuities, 28 days holiday, and exclusive staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy biannual socials, birthday day off, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- 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&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 employer: Maison Estelle
At Celeste, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Notting Hill. As a Sous Chef in our Izakaya kitchen, you will not only enjoy competitive earnings and generous benefits but also have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a culinary journey that values creativity, teamwork, and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef, Izakaya - Japanese Kitchen
✨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 lookout for a Sous Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Celeste!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This is a great way to stand out and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the restaurant’s style and menu. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision, especially in a fast-paced environment like the Izakaya kitchen at Celeste. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about our food!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Celeste. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef, Izakaya - Japanese Kitchen
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 handled stock ordering, rota management, or any other relevant tasks that show you're ready for this position.
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
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Japanese dishes, especially those relevant to the Izakaya kitchen. Be prepared to discuss your experience with sushi, sashimi, and robata cooking techniques. Showing a genuine passion for the cuisine will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Think of examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed kitchen staff or improved service efficiency. Highlighting your calmness under pressure will also be key.
✨Understand Kitchen Operations
Familiarise yourself with stock ordering, rota management, and kitchen structure. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled these aspects in previous positions. This shows that you’re not just a great cook but also understand the business side of running a kitchen.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, team dynamics, or the restaurant's vision. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. It’s a two-way street!
