Head Chef in London

Head Chef in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create innovative Modern British dishes.
  • Company: A creative, intimate restaurant in Central London focused on quality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, ownership of menu, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the culinary identity and celebrate British produce with your creativity.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous with a passion for Modern British cuisine.
  • Other info: Join a tight-knit team prioritising quality and wellbeing.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

Overview

Location: Central London

Salary Range: £50,000–£55,000 per annum (inclusive of service charge/tronc)

Team Size: Approximately 7 chefs

Concept: Intimate, seasonally inspired Modern British cuisine in a relaxed and personal setting

Why Join Us?

Join a passionate, small-scale kitchen dedicated to celebrating British produce with creativity and care—ideal for an experienced chef looking to shape the culinary identity closely, not scale with it.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead, inspire, and manage a tight-knit brigade of seven chefs, ensuring smooth and creative service
  • Develop and curate a Modern British menu, driven by seasonality, local ingredients, and culinary innovation
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations: costing, ordering, planning rotas, and maintaining high service standards
  • Serve as both mentor and creative lead—hands-on in service and behind the scenes

What We’re Looking For

  • Solid experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous in a high-quality, ingredient-focused restaurant
  • A genuine passion for Modern British cuisine, seasonality, and local sourcing
  • Demonstrated leadership and strong organizational skills—able to manage operations end-to-end
  • Creativity balanced with consistency—someone ready to uphold culinary standards while injecting personality into dishes

What We Offer

  • Salary of £50–55k, including service charge or tronc
  • Ownership over the menu and kitchen direction—your creativity, your vision
  • A collaborative and supportive environment with room to innovate
  • A tightly-knit, respectful team prioritising both quality and wellbeing

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Art/Creative

Industries: Hospitality and Restaurants

Head Chef in London employer: Smyth & Co

Join our intimate Modern British restaurant in the heart of Central London, where you will lead a passionate team of seven chefs dedicated to celebrating seasonal produce with creativity and care. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises both quality and employee wellbeing, alongside competitive salary and the unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of our establishment. With a focus on innovation and personal growth, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef looking to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Smyth & Co Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry folks. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local markets to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your Modern British cuisine. This is a great way to demonstrate your creativity and passion for seasonal ingredients directly to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out to the restaurant directly. A quick call or message can make you stand out from the crowd and show your genuine interest in their kitchen.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep your online presence fresh! Share your culinary creations on social media or a personal blog. This not only showcases your talent but also helps you connect with others in the industry. Plus, it’s a great way to attract attention from restaurants looking for a Head Chef!

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in London

Leadership Skills
Menu Development
Creativity
Organisational Skills
Culinary Innovation
Passion for Modern British Cuisine
Ingredient Sourcing
Team Management
Operational Management
Service Standards Maintenance
Mentoring
Costing and Ordering
Planning Rotas
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for Modern British cuisine shine through. Share your experiences with seasonal ingredients and how they inspire your cooking style. We want to see your personality and creativity!

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous. Focus on your leadership skills and any innovative dishes you've created. We’re looking for someone who can manage a small team while bringing fresh ideas to the table.

Be Specific in Your Cover Letter: In your cover letter, mention specific examples of how you've led a kitchen or developed a menu. We love details! This is your chance to show us how you can contribute to our culinary identity.

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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Smyth & Co

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Modern British cuisine and can discuss seasonal ingredients. Prepare to share your ideas for a creative menu that reflects your culinary vision and how you would incorporate local produce.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Be ready to talk about your experience managing a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and mentored chefs in the past, and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment in this new role.

✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

Prepare to discuss how you handle daily kitchen operations, from costing to planning rotas. Highlight any systems or processes you’ve implemented to maintain high service standards and ensure smooth service.

✨Inject Personality into Your Answers

This role is all about creativity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passion for cooking and how you balance creativity with consistency in your dishes.

Head Chef in London
Smyth & Co
Location: London
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