Sous Chef in London

Sous Chef in London

London Full-Time 29000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help reopen and run a vibrant kitchen, delivering top-notch Lebanese tapas.
  • Company: Lazeez Tapas Mayfair, a family-run gem in Central London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and rapid career progression.
  • Why this job: Join a fresh team and shape the future of a beloved restaurant.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior CDP ready to step up.
  • Other info: Exciting reopening with training and growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 29000 - 33000 £ per year.

Location: Mayfair, Central London (opposite Selfridges, minutes from Bond Street)

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 per annum + bonus scheme (based on performance and customer satisfaction)

About the Restaurant: Lazeez Tapas Mayfair is a long-established, family-run restaurant serving Lebanese inspired tapas. The restaurant combines a relaxed café-style atmosphere with high standards of food, service and presentation.

Role Purpose: The Sous Chef will play a key role in reopening the kitchen and shaping how it operates day-to-day. You will implement systems, standards and ways of working that enable consistent quality in a calm environment.

This role is ideal for a driven chef who is willing to learn, takes pride in presentation and wants genuine progression. High performance will be recognised quickly, with the opportunity to progress into higher roles as the business grows post-reopening.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support in reopening and running daily kitchen operations
  • Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
  • Lead, support and motivate the kitchen team during service
  • Execute a simple, effective menu to an excellent standard
  • Maintain food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and organisation across the kitchen
  • Support stock control, ordering, rotation and waste reduction
  • Remain calm and organised during peak periods, including the daily busy hour
  • Work closely with front of house to ensure excellent customer satisfaction

Performance Metrics & Key Deliverables:

  • Food quality, consistency and presentation standards maintained daily
  • Customer satisfaction and positive feedback supported through kitchen delivery
  • Smooth service during peak periods, especially the busiest hour of the day
  • Strong kitchen organisation, hygiene and compliance maintained
  • Positive teamwork and contribution to reopening culture and standards

Training, Reopening & Progression Opportunity: This is a reopening team. You will be part of the group responsible for opening the restaurant back up, setting standards and building the team culture from day one. Training provided. Progression can be rapid for high performers. Clear kitchen route: Sous Chef → Head Chef.

Working Pattern: Operating hours: 10:30am – 11:00pm. Typical shifts: 08:30am – 5:00pm (opening) / 4:30pm – 11:30pm (closing). Double shifts may be available. The restaurant may close one day per week (day to be confirmed).

Candidate Profile:

Essential Skills & Experience required:

  • Proven experience in a Sous Chef role or as a strong Senior CDP ready to step up
  • Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, hygiene and food safety
  • Calm, organised approach under pressure
  • High standards of personal and professional presentation
  • A driven attitude with willingness to learn and grow

Desirable Skills & Experience required:

  • Experience with Mediterranean / Middle Eastern / tapas or small plate service
  • Experience supporting a reopening, relaunch or change in operating model

Reporting & Team Structure: Reports directly to the Founder. Works closely with General Manager / Front of House leadership. Part of a small, close-knit kitchen team built for reopening.

General Responsibilities:

  • Uphold restaurant standards, values and service expectations at all times
  • Follow the system and ways of working agreed for the reopening
  • Maintain a professional appearance and attitude on shift
  • Comply with all relevant legislation and internal policies relating to food safety and health & safety
  • Support a calm, personable environment while delivering consistently high standards

Universal Personal Responsibilities:

  • Present a professional image, both on site and to guests, and be an ambassador for the restaurant by demonstrating its values
  • Follow the correct processes and understand the consequences of failing to do so
  • Treat all colleagues fairly, working according to the principles of equal opportunity and respect
  • Be willing to work in excess of usual working hours when required
  • Comply with all legal requirements relevant to your role

Universal Team Participation Responsibilities:

  • Understand, question where appropriate, and agree the Team Objectives, service standards and your own Personal Objectives
  • Comply with all processes and procedures to ensure that personal, team and business performance standards are maintained
  • Take ownership of work and contribute to making decisions
  • Apply problem solving and creative thinking to maximise guest satisfaction and service quality
  • Be a team player and support your colleagues as appropriate
  • Seek to continuously improve performance by learning and developing new skills
  • Take ownership of personal development, seeking feedback and training
  • Provide ideas and suggestions for improving your own and team performance
  • Remain adaptable and responsive to business needs
  • Actively provide constructive feedback and suggestions to support continuous improvement across the restaurant

Sous Chef in London employer: Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.

Lazeez Tapas Mayfair is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London, just steps from Bond Street. As a family-run restaurant with a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and rapid career progression, especially during this exciting reopening phase. With competitive salaries, a bonus scheme, and a focus on teamwork, this is a fantastic opportunity for passionate chefs looking to make their mark in a prestigious location.
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Contact Detail:

Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Chat with people in the industry, attend culinary events, and don’t be shy to reach out on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, bring a dish or two to share during interviews or networking events. It’s a great way to showcase your talent and passion for food, plus it gives people a taste of what you can do!

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like Lazeez Tapas, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference!

✨Tip Number 4

Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques. Whether it’s through online courses or workshops, showing that you’re committed to growth can really impress potential employers.

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

Kitchen Operations Management
Food Safety and Hygiene
High Standards of Food Quality
Team Leadership
Calmness Under Pressure
Organisational Skills
Presentation Skills
Adaptability
Customer Satisfaction Focus
Experience with Mediterranean Cuisine
Stock Control and Waste Reduction
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Willingness to Learn

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who truly cares about the quality and presentation of every dish.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Sous Chef role at Lazeez Tapas. Highlight your relevant experience, especially if you've worked with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine before. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills to our restaurant's unique vibe.

Keep It Professional Yet Personable: While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This shows us that you can communicate effectively, which is key in a busy kitchen environment.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our restaurant and what we stand for!

How to prepare for a job interview at Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.

✨Know Your Menu

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the restaurant's menu, especially their Lebanese-inspired tapas. Being able to discuss specific dishes and how you would present them can really impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Calm Under Pressure

Since the role requires maintaining a calm and organised approach during busy periods, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed stress in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

The Sous Chef role is all about leading and motivating the kitchen team. Be ready to share stories that showcase your leadership style and how you’ve contributed to a positive team culture in previous roles.

✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn

This position is ideal for someone eager to grow. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for learning new techniques and your commitment to personal development, as this aligns perfectly with the restaurant's focus on progression.

Sous Chef in London
Step Ahead Recruitment Ltd.
Location: London

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