Executive chef - Restaurant in London

Executive chef - Restaurant in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Berkeley Scott Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create seasonal British menus in a premium restaurant.
  • Company: Renowned seasonal British restaurant in Central London with a focus on quality.
  • Benefits: 5-day work week, excellent support, and a better work-life balance.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a creative environment with a supportive management team.
  • Why this job: Shape innovative menus and inspire a talented kitchen team while enjoying great ingredients.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as an Executive Chef with strong leadership and culinary skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

I am seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation of a unique and highly regarded seasonal British restaurant in the heart of Central London. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Executive Chef who thrives in a premium hospitality environment, combining outstanding à la carte dining with an impressive Private Dining Room operation that consistently delivers memorable guest experiences. Alongside the restaurant, the business hosts a variety of bespoke events and hospitality functions, requiring an Executive Chef who can confidently oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining exceptional standards throughout.

Working alongside an established Head Chef, a strong kitchen brigade, and a highly supportive senior management team, you will have the platform to focus on creativity, leadership, and culinary excellence. The restaurant is passionate about seasonal British produce, with herbs and leaves grown on-site, giving you the opportunity to create innovative menus that truly reflect the seasons. This role requires an Executive Chef who can inspire teams, develop talent, and work collaboratively across the business to ensure the restaurant continues to deliver at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee all culinary operations across the restaurant, private dining, and events business.
  • Create and develop seasonal British menus showcasing the very best ingredients.
  • Design bespoke menus for private dining and exclusive client events.
  • Work closely with senior management to drive standards, creativity, and guest satisfaction.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the kitchen brigade.
  • Maintain strong control of food costs, labour, and kitchen profitability.
  • Ensure the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and kitchen operations.
  • Oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining consistency and quality.
The Ideal Candidate
  • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef within a quality-led hospitality business.
  • Exceptional craft skills and a genuine passion for seasonal British cuisine.
  • Creative and innovative approach to menu development.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing large teams.
  • Commercially aware with a solid understanding of cost control and budgeting.
  • Excellent knowledge of food safety and compliance.
  • Experience delivering restaurant dining alongside events and private dining operations.
The Offer
  • 5-day operation across a 6-day trading week (closed Sundays).
  • Some evening work required.
  • Excellent support structure with an established management and kitchen team.
  • High-quality ingredients, including produce grown on-site.
  • Opportunity to shape menus and influence the culinary direction of the business.
  • A genuine chance to achieve a better work-life balance than many Executive Chef roles while working in a premium food-led environment.

If you're currently working long hours and looking for a role that offers a healthier balance without compromising on quality, creativity, or ambition, this could be the perfect opportunity for an ambitious Executive Chef seeking their next challenge. Great ingredients. Great people. Great food.

Executive chef - Restaurant in London employer: The Berkeley Scott Group

Join a prestigious seasonal British restaurant in Central London, where you will lead a talented kitchen brigade in crafting innovative menus that celebrate the finest local produce. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance and a supportive management team, this role offers exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth in a vibrant culinary environment. Experience the thrill of delivering memorable dining experiences while enjoying the benefits of a 5-day operation and a collaborative work culture.

The Berkeley Scott Group

Contact Details:

The Berkeley Scott Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive chef - Restaurant in London

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Berkeley Scott Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to The Berkeley Scott Group

Don't be shy about reaching out to The Berkeley Scott Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Executive chef - Restaurant in London

Culinary Operations Management
Menu Development
Seasonal British Cuisine
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Food Safety Compliance
Cost Control

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Berkeley Scott Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Berkeley Scott Group

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!