At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant café kitchen, crafting delicious brunch dishes and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Redemption Roasters, a mission-driven café transforming lives through food and coffee.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50–£15.00 per hour plus tips, enjoy staff meals and unlimited specialty coffee.
- Other info: Weekend availability required; thrive in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-led team and make a real difference while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in café or kitchen roles, strong organisation, and a passion for quality food.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31200 £ per year.
Do you love cooking great food and enjoy running a small, fast-paced café kitchen on your own? At Redemption Roasters, we believe great coffee (and food!) can change lives. Our mission is to reduce reoffending by training people in prison and supporting them into employment on release - often in our own cafés. We’re looking for a full-time Café Chef / Kitchen Leader to take ownership of our small Hampstead kitchen and deliver fantastic, delicious brunch plates, toasted sandwiches, soups and counter food. This role is perfect for someone who cares about deliciousness, detail, consistency and above all, great hospitality.
You Will
- Lead brunch service (Fri–Sun) with confidence, organisation and pace.
- Prepare, cook and plate dishes to spec with care and precision.
- Batch-prep sandwich fillings, soups and counter dishes during the week.
- Maintain excellent cleanliness, food safety and overall kitchen organisation.
- Create simple specials and contribute to menu development.
- Manage stock, ordering and prep planning efficiently.
- Communicate clearly with your Coffee Shop Manager and FOH team — verbally and in writing - to keep service smooth, ensure nothing is missed, and get the support you need.
- Support our mission and work respectfully alongside programme participants.
You Have
- Experience as a café chef, brunch chef or similar role in a specialty café, bistro or all-day dining environment.
- Weekend availability (Fri, Sat, Sun) - mandatory.
- Strong organisation and prep skills, with confidence running a kitchen solo.
- A passion for quality, consistency and plating.
- Solid food safety knowledge, including allergen management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - from clear handovers to accurate prep lists, order notes and kitchen updates.
- Right to work in the UK.
You Are
- Calm, focused and reliable in a small-kitchen setting.
- Detail-oriented - you want every plate to look and taste great.
- A clear, proactive communicator with the FOH team and your manager.
- Positive, collaborative and supportive of others.
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership.
- Someone who thrives in a purpose-led, values-driven organisation.
We Will Pay
- £13.50–£15.00 per hour (plus tips), depending on experience.
- Provide tips, staff meals and unlimited specialty coffee.
- Support your development and progression.
- Welcome you into a mission-led, supportive team.
Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath employer: Redemption Roasters
At Redemption Roasters, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that not only values culinary excellence but also champions social change. Working as a Café Chef / Kitchen Leader in our Hampstead Heath location means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to reducing reoffending through meaningful employment opportunities. Enjoy competitive pay, tips, and unlimited specialty coffee while developing your skills in a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café's vibe! Before your interview, pop by Redemption Roasters and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for their culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a dish or two that showcases your flair for brunch plates or sandwiches. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion and creativity!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Since you'll be working closely with the FOH team and programme participants, share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your alignment with their mission! Redemption Roasters is all about making a difference, so share why their values resonate with you. It shows you’re not just after a job, but you genuinely care about their cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what delicious dishes you enjoy creating. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for quality and consistency in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Kitchen Experience:Make sure to detail your previous roles as a café chef or in similar environments. We want to see how your experience aligns with running a small, fast-paced kitchen and your ability to manage everything from prep to service.
Communicate Clearly:Since strong communication is key, ensure your written application is clear and well-structured. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and don’t forget to mention how you can effectively communicate with the FOH team and your manager.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our mission-driven team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redemption Roasters
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it aligns with the mission of Redemption Roasters. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or enjoyed making, and how you ensure quality and consistency in your cooking.
✨Demonstrate Your Kitchen Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience running a kitchen solo. Highlight your organisational skills, how you manage stock and prep planning, and any strategies you use to maintain cleanliness and food safety in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain how you would handle handovers and updates with the FOH team and your manager, ensuring smooth service and collaboration.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Talk about your ability to work alongside others, especially in a purpose-led environment. Share experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team atmosphere, showing that you’re not just a great chef but also a great teammate.
