At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create mouth-watering menus.
- Company: Clapham North, a vibrant venue with a unique atmosphere.
- Benefits: Creative control, culinary masterclasses, free meals, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: No two days are the same in our lively environment!
- Why this job: Join us for fun, flavour, and the chance to inspire a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership, menu design, and maintaining high standards.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a kitchen boss who knows their FIFO from their HACCP and isn’t afraid to get a little dirty (in a good way)? Clapham North is on the hunt for a Kitchen Manager to lead our crew of culinary legends. We’re all about big flavours, messy hands, and good times - think loaded burgers, dirty fries, cheesy goodness, BBQ feasts and banging buffets, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. We don’t do beige or boring.
One night you might be cooking for a table of two, the next you’re smashing out a 100-cover party, and we want someone who thrives on that kind of chaos (the good kind).
You’ll be the kind of person who:
- Has led kitchen teams before (we don’t mind if it was 3 people or 30 - leadership is leadership).
- Knows their way around rota planning, food costings, GPs, stock control and menu design - but also knows how to make the team laugh during a busy Saturday night.
- Lives and breathes cleanliness and standards - if you don’t know what FIFO or HACCP stand for, this won’t be your jam.
- Can lead by example, keep calm under pressure, and push the kitchen forward while having fun along the way.
About us: Clapham North is a one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of Clapham, directly opposite from Clapham North tube station. We boast a large quirky downstairs space with multiple screens showing every sport you can imagine, live music and DJs, bringing in a wide range of clientele through different times of the day. We have a private upstairs room with its own bar and big screen, used on match days and for private hires throughout the whole year. We’re proudly part of Young’s Pubs, but we like to do things our own way - we work hard, play harder, and serve up serious vibes with seriously tasty food.
What we offer our Kitchen Managers:
- Creative control – design your own menus and daily specials.
- Access to Young’s Apprenticeship Scheme and Leadership Development Programmes.
- Culinary masterclasses with topics like game, butchery, and shellfish.
- Food trips with our suppliers and regular chef forums.
- Free meals on shift and a solid 20% discount across all Young’s pubs and hotels.
- Share Save Scheme & Enhanced Company Pension.
- 28 days holiday per year.
- A cracking team and a venue where no two days are ever the same.
What we look for:
- Someone who inspires teams and keeps standards sky-high.
- A creative kitchen mind who can build and cost menus across a range of service types.
- Experience in stock-taking, rota-writing and keeping the kitchen tidy on paper as well as in person.
- A calm operator under pressure, always bringing good energy to the pass.
- Passion for fresh food, bold flavours, and building a team that loves what they do.
Head Chef employer: The Clapham North
Contact Detail:
The Clapham North Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by Clapham North and soak up the vibe. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the team culture and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share stories about how you've led teams in the past. Whether it was a small crew or a bustling kitchen, we want to hear how you kept spirits high and standards higher.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your creativity to the table! Think about some menu ideas or specials you could introduce. We love bold flavours, so don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary flair during the chat.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Clapham North. Let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences with bold flavours and fresh ingredients, and don’t be shy about mentioning any creative dishes you've whipped up!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to know about your leadership style! Whether you’ve managed a small team or a bustling kitchen, share examples of how you’ve inspired your crew and kept the energy high during those chaotic service times.
Be Clear About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your experience with kitchen management essentials like rota planning, stock control, and menu design. We love a candidate who knows their FIFO from their HACCP, so don’t forget to mention these skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to join our culinary adventure? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of landing an interview. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Clapham North
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Make sure you brush up on your FIFO and HACCP knowledge before the interview. Being able to confidently discuss these concepts will show that you’re serious about cleanliness and standards, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led kitchen teams in the past, whether it was a small crew or a large brigade. Highlight moments where you kept morale high during busy shifts, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Get Creative with Menu Ideas
Think about some unique menu ideas or daily specials you could propose during the interview. This not only showcases your culinary creativity but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and the venue’s vibe.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Be ready to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations in the kitchen. Share specific stories that illustrate your ability to keep calm and maintain good energy, especially during busy service times.