Executive Chef - New Opening

Chaiyo Restaurants, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a talented and passionate Executive Chef to lead an extraordinary new chapter — a landmark fine dining Thai restaurant opening in Central London. If you're ready to be part of one of the most exciting new openings in London's culinary scene, working alongside a world-class team committed to delivering exceptional food and genuine Thai hospitality at the very highest level, we want to hear from you.

Chaiyo was born from Chef Luke Farrell's near two-decade love affair with Thailand — its food, its spirit, and its people. Having opened Plaza Khao Gaeng on Tottenham Court Road and Borough Market, Speedboat Bar in Chinatown and Notting Hill, Chaiyo has built a reputation for restaurants that carry the true soul of Thai life into the heart of London. Each venue is an expression of a culture Luke has called home, celebrated through vibrant food, warm hospitality, and an infectious passion for sharing it all.

Central to Chaiyo's ethos is Luke's Ryewater Nursery in Dorset, where a growing collection of tropical greenhouses supplies the restaurants with the brilliantly fresh herbs and aromatics that are essential to genuine Thai cooking — an extraordinary commitment to quality and provenance that sets Chaiyo apart. Now, in partnership with JKS Restaurants — one of the UK's most celebrated and ambitious restaurant groups — Chaiyo is taking a bold new step: a fine dining Thai concept with huge ambitions, set to become one of London's most talked-about openings.

As Executive Chef, you will be the culinary heartbeat of this exciting new venture. You will be responsible for the delivery of consistent, innovative, and technically exceptional dishes across the entire operation, playing a pivotal role in menu development and shaping the culinary identity of the restaurant from the ground up. You will manage all kitchen operations and provide clear, inspiring leadership to your brigade.

If you have the following, we want to hear from you:

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a quality restaurant, preferably at Michelin Star level
• A deep understanding and genuine passion for Thai cuisine, its regional diversity, and its cultural significance
• Strong awareness of culinary trends, ingredient seasonality, and provenance
• A highly creative approach to your work with exceptional attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a kitchen brigade to perform at the very highest level
• Experience managing staff costs, scheduling, and reviewing rotas
• Strengths in finance, purchasing, and menu costing
• A thorough working knowledge of health and safety, compliance, and procedures

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Executive Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans. At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants

Lunch for 2 after probation

Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants

CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants

Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care.

Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK

24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare

8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing

Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it

Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment Up to 55% off cinema tickets

Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)

Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK

Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it

Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning

Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions

Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment

Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral

Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

The Group JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. The group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition since its inception, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands. The JKS portfolio currently includes Michelin Starred restaurants Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; as well as cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique chance to either pursue a career in fine dining or develop within casual trend focused cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to progress their careers within a people focused, collaborative hospitality group.