At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team in delivering exceptional Mexican dishes and learn new culinary techniques.
- Company: Join Fonda, a vibrant Mexican restaurant with a focus on quality and hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff discount, free meals, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent growth potential and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary journey and work alongside renowned chef Santiago Lastra.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, hardworking, and eager to learn about Mexican cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
About Fonda
Fonda is an exciting, contemporary Mexican restaurant, years in the making from chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants.
Opened in 2024 in Mayfair’s Heddon Street, Fonda has showcased regional Mexican cooking through Santiago’s unique lens, presented in an elegant, vibrant style, complemented by contemporary design.
In Mexico, a Fonda is a family-owned eatery, serving traditional dishes in an informal setting, each inspired by personal recipes from the generations that came before.
Santiago Lastra’s Fonda builds on this concept to showcase recipes from across the country.
Though seemingly simple, Fonda’s dishes draw on the quality and provenance of ingredients, combined with innovative techniques to elicit the flavours of Mexico in a modern way.
The warmth and genuine hospitality is at the forefront of how we look after our team and guests, replicating Mexico’s traditional family-run Fonda’s.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re an experienced Chef de Partie and you’re up for a new challenge and the opportunity to work alongside Santiago Lastra.
Commis Chef Requirements
- An enthusiastic and hardworking chef who is eager to learn and grow, supporting the team across services and sections to deliver a premium guest experience in a large team environment.
- Keen to work with fresh, top-quality ingredients and to learn about our world leading supply partners and the produce they bring to Fonda.
- Able to follow quality and quantity standards on your section, supporting the Chef de Partie and senior team with prep, food safety, cleanliness and stock rotation.
- A proactive team player who takes pride in their work, follows direction well and is ready to take on more responsibility as their skills develop.
- Works with integrity, generosity and excellent attention to detail for people & product.
- A genuine interest in food, Mexican cuisine and hospitality, with a passion for learning new techniques and flavours.
- Lives our values and ethos, always working towards a ‘Best in Class’ level.
What we offer
- 50% staff discount across all MJMK restaurants
- Free staff meals while on shift
- Up to £500 team referral bonus
- Opportunity to develop your career with MJMK Restaurants
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after your first year with us
- Extra day’s holiday every year you’re with us, up to 5 extra days
- Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action - Including: mental health & well-being support, Benefits Hub with retail discounts, wellness podcast, nutrition-focused recipes, digital gym, mindfulness meditation, as well as Employee Assistance Program
- About MJMK Restaurants
MJMK Restaurants own and operate 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.
In 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 contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.
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Commis Chef Fonda London Up to £15.01 employer: MJMK
MJMK Restaurants is an exceptional employer for those passionate about the vibrant world of hospitality and restaurant marketing. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer unique benefits such as a 50% discount across all our award-winning restaurants, generous maternity and paternity pay, and opportunities for career advancement within one of London's most ambitious hospitality groups. Our dynamic work culture thrives on creativity and collaboration, making it an exciting place to contribute to innovative dining experiences in the heart of Central London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef Fonda London Up to £15.01
✨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 MJMK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to MJMK
Don't be shy about reaching out to MJMK 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 Commis Chef Fonda London Up to £15.01
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 MJMK 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 MJMK
✨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!
