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, staff meals, and unlimited specialty coffee.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-led team and make a real difference while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a café kitchen and a passion for quality food and hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 15 £ per hour.
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 Islington 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 - Islington 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 vibrant Islington café means you'll be part of 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 - Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the café's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a coffee and observe how the team operates. This will help you understand their style and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up some of your favourite brunch dishes at home and be ready to talk about them during your interview. It’s a great way to showcase your passion for deliciousness and detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills! Since you'll be working closely with the FOH team and your manager, think of examples where you've successfully communicated in a busy kitchen. Clear communication is key to keeping service smooth!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our mission-driven team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences with food, whether it's a special dish you love to make or a memorable kitchen moment. We want to see that you care about deliciousness and quality.
Highlight Your Kitchen Skills:Make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in café or kitchen settings. Talk about your organisation skills, how you manage prep, and your ability to run a kitchen solo. We’re looking for someone who can handle the pace and keep everything running smoothly!
Communicate Clearly:Since communication is key in our kitchens, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language to describe your previous roles and responsibilities. This will show us that you can communicate effectively with both 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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redemption Roasters
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes Redemption Roasters serves, especially their brunch plates and counter food. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them, showcasing your passion for quality and consistency.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous experience in a café or kitchen setting. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed a busy service, maintained cleanliness, and ensured food safety. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would convey important information to your team and manager, especially during busy service times. This will show that you can keep things running smoothly.
✨Embrace the Mission
Understand and express your alignment with Redemption Roasters' mission to reduce reoffending. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute positively to the team and support programme participants, showing that you’re not just about cooking but also about making a difference.
