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 café or brunch settings, 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 in London employer: Redemption Roasters
Contact Detail:
Redemption Roasters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath in London
✨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
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring along a dish or two that showcases your flair for brunch cooking. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion for quality and consistency.
✨Tip Number 3
Communicate clearly during your interview. Be ready to discuss how you manage kitchen organisation and food safety. They’ll want to see that you can keep things running smoothly while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! Talk about how you’ve collaborated with front-of-house teams in the past. They’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively and support their mission-driven approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and what deliciousness means to you. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for food and hospitality – it’ll make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application straightforward. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and make sure to address how you meet the requirements in the job description.
Highlight Your Kitchen Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in café or kitchen settings. We want to see your experience with brunch service, food safety, and kitchen organisation, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to review your application and get you one step closer to joining our mission-driven team!
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. Be ready to discuss your favourite brunch plates and how you would prepare them. This shows your passion for food and helps you connect with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous experience in a café or kitchen setting. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully managed a busy service or created a special dish. 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. Think about how you would explain your prep lists or handovers to the FOH team. Being able to convey information effectively will show you’re a team player.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for the Mission
Redemption Roasters has a unique mission, so express your enthusiasm for working in a purpose-led organisation. Share any relevant experiences that align with their values, such as supporting others or working in community-focused roles.