Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington in City of London
Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington

Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington in City of London

City of London Full-Time 13 - 15 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
Redemption Roasters

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.
  • Why this job: Join a purpose-led team and make a real difference while honing your culinary skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in café or brunch kitchens, strong organisation, and a passion for quality food.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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 in City of London employer: Redemption Roasters

At Redemption Roasters, we are not just about serving great food and coffee; we are dedicated to making a positive impact on lives through our mission of reducing reoffending. As a Café Chef / Kitchen Leader in our vibrant Islington café, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth, alongside competitive pay, tips, and unlimited specialty coffee. Join us in a purpose-driven environment where your culinary skills can shine while contributing to meaningful change in the community.
Redemption Roasters

Contact Detail:

Redemption Roasters Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington in City of London

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the café's vibe! Before your interview, pop in for a coffee and observe how the team interacts. This will help you understand their culture and give you some great talking points when you chat with them.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a dish or two that showcases your flair for cooking. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion for quality and consistency.

✨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 let them know why their values resonate with you. It shows you're not just looking for a job, but a purpose-driven role.

We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington in City of London

Culinary Skills
Kitchen Management
Food Safety Knowledge
Allergen Management
Organisation Skills
Communication Skills
Menu Development
Attention to Detail
Independence
Collaboration
Time Management
Customer Service
Problem-Solving Skills

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.

Be Clear and Organised: Just like in the kitchen, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and don’t forget to highlight your strong communication skills – they’re super important for this role!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for us at Redemption Roasters. Mention our mission and how your values align with ours. Show us that you understand what we do and why it matters – it’ll make your application stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team and be part of our mission!

How to prepare for a job interview at Redemption Roasters

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of dishes Redemption Roasters serves. Think about how you can contribute to their menu development and come prepared with ideas for simple specials that align with their mission.

✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in a café or kitchen setting. Highlight specific examples where you’ve 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 strong communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain how you would handle handovers and keep the FOH team updated during service. This shows you understand the importance of teamwork in a café setting.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality

Make it clear that you care about delivering great food and hospitality. Share stories that reflect your commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This will resonate well with their values and mission-driven approach.

Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington in City of London
Redemption Roasters
Location: City of London

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