At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen and create a delicious brunch menu with a modern twist.
- Company: Exciting new neighbourhood café in Highams Park, East London.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, no late nights, and a chance to shape a new venue.
- Other info: Great opportunity for ownership and work/life balance in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Perfect for brunch lovers wanting to make an impact in a vibrant café setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in brunch or café food and strong egg cookery skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
- Head Brunch Chef - Highams Park, East London
- Type: Permanent / employed role
- Hours: Minimum 22 contracted hours per week, likely 30–35 hours as trade develops
- Schedule: Daytime-focused role, including weekends
- Evenings: No regular late nights expected at launch
Part Deux is a new neighbourhood café and brunch concept opening in Highams Park, East London.
We are looking for a talented Head Brunch Chef to help lead the kitchen and deliver a high-quality breakfast and brunch menu from launch.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys brunch, daytime food and independent hospitality, and wants the chance to help shape a new local venue from an early stage.
The food direction will be modern neighbourhood brunch with a subtle French influence: familiar, approachable dishes delivered with stronger execution, good produce and consistent presentation.
The menu is likely to include quality egg dishes, brunch classics, sourdough / tartine-style dishes, strong vegetarian options, lighter plates, seasonal specials and a small number of signature dishes.
We will be looking to make as much as practical in-house, while sensibly sourcing items such as bread, pastries and specialist products where appropriate.
We are interested in working with good-quality suppliers and produce, with final suppliers developed around the menu, quality and commercial fit.
Patrick Powell is also expected to support the project and menu development.
This should be a strong opportunity for the successful candidate to help bring a professionally developed brunch menu to life, while also contributing ideas and making the kitchen their own.
Duties
- Lead the kitchen during breakfast and brunch service
- Prepare, cook and plate dishes to the agreed standard
- Work across relevant kitchen sections as required
- Support prep, mise en place and daily kitchen setup
- Maintain consistency, portion control and presentation
- Help manage stock, ordering and waste control
- Keep food GP, cost control and margins in mind
- Train and support junior or existing kitchen team members
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, allergen and kitchen safety standards
- Keep the kitchen clean, organised and service-ready
- Work closely with the General Manager and ownership team
- Support menu improvements, specials and seasonal changes
- Help create a calm, organised kitchen culture from the start
Requirements
- Experience in brunch, breakfast, café food, casual dining or premium neighbourhood hospitality
- Confident with breakfast and brunch service
- Strong egg cookery skills
- Comfortable with prep, mise en place and service organisation
- Able to work across grill / hot section and fryer where required
- Basic baking or pastry awareness useful, but not essential
- Good understanding of stock control, waste reduction and portion control
- Able to follow recipes and maintain consistency
- Comfortable supporting or leading a small kitchen team
- Strong food hygiene, allergen and kitchen safety knowledge
- Food Hygiene Level 3 preferred
- Organised, reliable, clean and calm during busy service
- Positive, collaborative and comfortable working in an independent neighbourhood business
This role would suit someone who wants more ownership than a standard chef position, while still being close to the food, the team and the day-to-day running of service.
It may also appeal to chefs with restaurant experience who are looking for a better work/life balance, more predictable daytime hours, or a move away from late nights and long shifts.
Head Brunch Chef - Highams Park, East London employer: Part Deux
Part Deux is an exciting new neighbourhood café in Highams Park, East London, offering a unique opportunity for the Head Brunch Chef to shape a modern brunch menu with a French twist. With a focus on quality ingredients and a supportive kitchen culture, this role provides a perfect work/life balance with daytime hours and no late nights, fostering both personal and professional growth in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Brunch Chef - Highams Park, East 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 Part Deux. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Part Deux
Don't be shy about reaching out to Part Deux 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 Brunch Chef - Highams Park, East 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 Part Deux 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 Part Deux
✨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!
