At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create seasonal menus, and inspire your team to deliver exceptional food.
- Company: Join The Prince Bonaparte, a beloved gastropub in the heart of West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, employee discounts, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with fresh ingredients and develop a passionate kitchen team.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a characterful pub and elevate the dining experience for guests.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a busy kitchen and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lead the kitchen of a much-loved West London gastropub. At The Prince Bonaparte, we’re proud to be a true neighbourhood pub at the heart of West London life. Situated on the corner of Chepstow and Talbot Road, just moments from Portobello Market, Notting Hill, and Bayswater, we offer a relaxed yet elegant setting where locals and visitors come together to enjoy great food, drinks, and hospitality.
Part of Metro Pubs, our venues are individual, full of personality, and built around creating memorable experiences for every guest. We believe pubs should feel like a home away from home — places where people can enjoy a great meal with family, celebrate with friends, or simply relax with a drink in welcoming surroundings. The Prince Bonaparte combines the charm of a traditional pub with a modern food-led approach. Our open kitchen serves a seasonal Modern British menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients, alongside artisan beers and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Role
As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen operation, setting the standards and creating a culture where great food, teamwork, and pride are at the centre of everything we do. This is an opportunity for a strong kitchen leader who enjoys being hands-on, developing people, and creating consistency across every service. You’ll bring structure, energy, and accountability to the kitchen while working closely with the General Manager and wider pub team to deliver an exceptional guest experience. You’ll have the autonomy to lead your kitchen, influence the food offer, and ensure every dish leaving the pass represents the quality and care The Prince Bonaparte stands for.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading, motivating, and developing the kitchen team to achieve high standards
- Creating a positive kitchen culture built around pride, teamwork, and accountability
- Delivering consistently excellent food through fresh, seasonal menus
- Ensuring all dishes are prepared and presented to specification
- Managing stock, ordering, GP performance, and kitchen profitability
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene, and operational standards
- Working closely with the front-of-house team to create a seamless guest experience
- Coaching and developing chefs through clear communication, support, and feedback
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for a Head Chef who can bring leadership, consistency, and passion to the kitchen. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience leading a busy fresh food kitchen
- Strong people management skills and the ability to inspire a team
- A clear understanding of kitchen standards, structure, and accountability
- Experience managing stock, GP, ordering, and kitchen performance
- Confidence working in a branded or structured pub environment
- A passion for fresh food and quality ingredients
- The ability to set expectations while building a positive team culture
- Pride in delivering great food and creating an environment where people want to work
Most importantly, you’ll have the confidence to lead from the front, the backbone to maintain standards, and the ability to bring people with you on the journey.
What does success look like?
Success at The Prince Bonaparte means creating a kitchen team that is proud of what they deliver. You’ll build consistency, develop your chefs, and create a culture where high standards become second nature. Guests will recognise the improvement through the quality of the food, the service experience, and the reputation of the pub. You’ll become a key part of the pub leadership team, working collaboratively to drive performance and make The Prince Bonaparte a destination for great food and hospitality in West London.
Why join The Prince Bonaparte?
The Prince Bonaparte offers the opportunity to lead a characterful gastropub in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. With a strong location, open kitchen, fresh food offer, and the support of Metro Pubs behind you, this is a role where you can make a genuine impact, develop your team, and build something to be proud of.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to lead your own kitchen and make your mark
- Career development and progression opportunities within Metro Pubs
- Training and support to help you succeed
- Working with fresh, seasonal ingredients
- A supportive leadership team
- Employee discounts across our brands
- Pension contribution
If you’re a Head Chef who takes pride in standards, loves developing people, and is ready to lead a kitchen with energy and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Chef in London employer: Metro Pub Co - BRA_302
Metro Pub Co offers an exciting opportunity for chefs in Greater London, where a vibrant kitchen culture fosters creativity and teamwork. With a focus on culinary excellence, employees benefit from competitive discounts on food and drink, as well as clear pathways for career progression within the hospitality industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your passion and dedication to delivering outstanding dishes.
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 Metro Pub Co - BRA_302. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Metro Pub Co - BRA_302
Don't be shy about reaching out to Metro Pub Co - BRA_302 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 Metro Pub Co - BRA_302 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 Metro Pub Co - BRA_302
✨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!
