Head Chef in London

Head Chef in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 this exciting culinary role.
  • Why this job: Join a fun-loving team and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership, menu design, and stock control.

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 in London employer: The Clapham North

At Clapham North, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and dynamic work culture. As a Kitchen Manager, you'll enjoy creative control over menu design, access to professional development through our Apprenticeship Scheme and Culinary masterclasses, and the opportunity to lead a passionate team in a lively venue that never has a dull moment. With benefits like free meals on shift, a generous discount across all Young’s pubs, and a supportive environment that encourages growth, Clapham North is the perfect place for culinary leaders looking to make their mark.
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Contact Detail:

The Clapham North Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Get your network buzzing! Chat with fellow chefs, suppliers, and even regulars at your favourite spots. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect kitchen manager role or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary flair! If you’ve got a killer dish or a unique menu idea, whip it up and share it on social media. Tag potential employers like Clapham North to catch their eye and show them what you’re made of.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a job that excites you, reach out directly through our website. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show you’re genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for the chaos! Brush up on your leadership skills and be ready to discuss how you handle busy nights. Share stories that highlight your ability to keep the team motivated and the kitchen running smoothly under pressure.

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

Leadership
Rota Planning
Food Costing
Stock Control
Menu Design
HACCP Knowledge
FIFO Knowledge
Cleanliness Standards
Calm Under Pressure
Team Inspiration
Creativity in Menu Development
Stock-Taking
Good Energy
Passion for Fresh Food

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led kitchen teams before, no matter the size. Share specific examples of how you’ve inspired your crew and kept the energy high during those busy shifts.

Get Creative with Your Menu Ideas: Since we love big flavours and fresh ingredients, don’t hold back! Include some of your own menu ideas or specials that showcase your culinary creativity and passion for food.

Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Make sure to mention your experience with rota planning, stock control, and food costings. We’re all about keeping things running smoothly, so show us how you keep everything in check!

Keep It Fun and Engaging: Remember, we’re looking for someone who can bring good vibes to the kitchen. Use a friendly tone in your application and let your personality shine through – we want to know the real you!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Clapham North

✨Know Your Kitchen Basics

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FIFO and HACCP before the interview. Being able to confidently discuss these concepts will show that you’re serious about kitchen standards and cleanliness, which is crucial for a Head Chef role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

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 at Clapham North.

✨Get Creative with Menu Ideas

Think about some unique menu ideas or daily specials you could bring to the table. Presenting your creative culinary vision during the interview will demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to innovate in a fast-paced environment.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

Be ready to discuss how you handle stress and chaos in the kitchen. Share specific instances where you maintained composure during peak times, as this will reassure them that you can thrive in their lively atmosphere.

Head Chef in London
The Clapham North
Location: London

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